Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that understanding any situation requires hearing multiple perspectives, especially when it comes to morality and good versus evil.
Samuel Butler's quote emphasizes the importance of acknowledging all viewpoints before forming a judgment, particularly regarding moral questions. He points out that while we may hear only one side of a storyβoften the side condemning 'the devil'βit is crucial to remember that the narrative is incomplete without considering the other side. This reflection on morality serves as a reminder that life is complex, and understanding the full context can lead to greater wisdom and insight.
Themes
ApologyDevilMoralityPerspectiveUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about morality, one could use this quote to remind others that all viewpoints should be considered.
More from Samuel Butler
All quotes βTo know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him.
Samuel ButlerRead
Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
Samuel ButlerRead
Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
Samuel ButlerRead
People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
Samuel ButlerRead
A friend who cannot at a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.
Samuel ButlerRead
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As soon as men live entirely in accord with the law of love natural to their hearts and now revealed to them, which excludes all resistance by violence, and therefore hold aloof from all participation in violence - as soon as this happens, not only will hundreds be unable to enslave millions, but not even millions will be able to enslave a single individual.
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The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms.
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For instance, we're always fighting amongst each other. Who gives us the arms? And then we become indebted to wherever we are buying them from - with what? The very resources we need to keep there.
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Our vows are heard betimes! and Heaven takes care To grant, before we can conclude the prayer: Preventing angels met it half the way, And sent us back to praise, who came to pray.
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