The man who has sufficient power over himself to wait until his nature has recovered its even balance is the truly wise man, but such beings are seldom met with.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
I will begin with this confession: whatever I have done in the course of my life, whether it be good or evil, has been done freely; I am a free agent.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the idea of personal agency and the moral implications of one's actions.
Giacomo Casanova's quote emphasizes the notion of free will, highlighting that every action he has taken in his life, whether virtuous or sinful, is a result of his own choices. This assertion of being a 'free agent' suggests a deep engagement with the concepts of responsibility and moral accountability, as it implies that individuals are the architects of their own destinies, capable of making choices that shape their lives and character.
In practice
This quote could inspire a discussion on personal accountability during a philosophy lecture.
The man who has sufficient power over himself to wait until his nature has recovered its even balance is the truly wise man, but such beings are seldom met with.
I have met with some of them - very honest fellows, who, with all their stupidity, had a kind of intelligence and an upright good sense, which cannot be the characteristics of fools.
From that moment our love became sad, and sadness is a disease which gives the death-blow to affection.
The mind of a human being is formed only of comparisons made in order to examine analogies, and therefore cannot precede the existence of memory.
For my future I have no concern, and as a true philosopher, I never would have any, for I know not what it may be: as a Christian, on the other hand, faith must believe without discussion, and the stronger it is, the more it keeps silent.
I have had friends who have acted kindly towards me, and it has been my good fortune to have it in my power to give them substantial proofs of my gratitude.
The soul is part of the body. The mind is part of the body. When folks do physical violence to black people, to black bodies in this country, the soul as we construe it is damaged, too - the mind is damaged, too.
As the practical value of altering consciousness becomes recognized, procedures to effect these alterations will become increasingly ordinary and unremarkable. The whole concept of changing states of consciousness will cease to have a threatening or exotic aspect.
By binding image and desire, glamour gives us pleasure, even as it heightens our yearning. It leads us to feel that the life we dream of exists, and to desire it even more.
It is spiritual poverty, not material lack, that lies at the core of all human suffering.
A well governed appetite is the greater part of liberty.
I seem to myself, as in a dream, Am accidental guest in this dreadful body.
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