Mankind is not without a wish to serve; hence the chivalry of the French
is a servitude.
197
In the theatre the pleasure of what we see and hear restrains our
reflections.
198
There is no limit to the increase of experience, but theories cannot
become clearer and more complete in just the same sense. The field of
experience is the whole universe in all directions. Theory remains shut
up within the limits of the human faculties. Hence there is no way of
looking at the world, but it recurs, and the curious thing happens, that
with increased experience a limited theory may again come into favour.
It is always the same world which stands open to observation, which is
continually being contemplated or guessed at; and it is always the same
men who live in the true or in the false; more at their ease in the
latter than in the former.
199
Truth is at variance with our natures, but not so error; and for a very
simple reason. Truth requires us to recognise ourselves as limited, but
error flatters us with the belief that in one way or another we are
subject to no bounds at all.
200
That some men think they can still do what they have been able to do, is
natural enough; that others think they can do what they have never been
able to do, is singular, but not rare.
201
At all times it has not been the age, but individuals alone, who have
worked for knowledge. It was the age which put Socrates to death by
poison, the age which burnt Huss. The ages have always remained alike.
202
That is true Symbolism, where the more particular represents the more
general, not as a dream or shade, but as a vivid, instantaneous
revelation of the Inscrutable.
203
Everything of an abstract or symbolic nature, as soon as it is
challenged by realities, ends by consuming them and itself. So credit
consumes both money and itself.
204
Mastery often passes for egoism.
205
With Protestants, as soon as good works cease and their merit is denied,
sentimentality takes their place.
206
If a man knows where to get good advice, it is as though he could supply
it himself.
207
The use of mottoes is to indicate something we have not attained, but
strive to attain. It is right to keep them always before our eyes.
208
'If a man cannot lift a stone himself, let him leave it, even though he
has some one to help him.'
209
Despotism promotes general self-government, because from top to bottom
it makes the individual responsible, and so produces the highest degree
of activity.
210
A man must pay dear for his errors if he wishes to get rid of them, and
even then he is lucky.
211
Enthusiasm is of the greatest value, so long as we are not carried away
by it.
212
School itself is the only true preparation for it.
213
Error is related to truth as sleep to waking. I have observed that on
awakening from error a man turns again to truth as with new vigour.
214
Every one suffers who does not work for himself. A man works for others
to have them share in his joy.
215
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account