QuoteProject
It is better to emit a scream in the shape of a theory than to be entirely insensible to the jars and incongruities of life and take everything as it comes in a forlorn stupidity.
Robert Louis Stevenson
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that it's better to be actively engaged with life's challenges through thought and theory than to passively accept everything without understanding.

Robert Louis Stevenson emphasizes the importance of awareness and critical thinking in the face of life's inconsistencies and difficulties. Rather than being complacently indifferent and accepting circumstances as they are, he advocates for a proactive approach where exploring ideas and theories can provide clarity and insight into our experiences.

Themes

TheoryAwarenessLifeEngagementThinking

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about embracing challenges, this quote can illustrate the need for critical analysis.

More from Robert Louis Stevenson

Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
It is the history of our kindnesses that alone make this world tolerable. If it were not for that, for the effect of kind words, kind looks, kind letters . . . I should be inclined to think our life a practical jest in the worst possible spirit.
Robert Louis StevensonRead

Similar quotes

When everyone is moving towards depravity, no one seems to be moving, but if someone stops he shows up the others who are rushing on, by acting as a fixed point.
Blaise PascalRead
We are doomed to cling to a life even while we find it unendurable.
William JamesRead
I need someone to protect me from all the measures they take in order to protect me.
BanksyRead
I am ashes where once I was fire.
Lord ByronRead
In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection," he stated. "Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. ... Do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
Benjamin FranklinRead
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
John AdamsRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.