Love, whether newly born, or aroused from a deathlike slumber, must always create sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, this it overflows upon the outward world.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
It is to the credit of human nature that, except where its selfishness is brought into play, it loves more readily than it hates.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human nature tends to lean towards love rather than hate unless selfishness interferes.
Nathaniel Hawthorne highlights a positive aspect of human nature, suggesting that humans have an innate tendency to love and form connections with each other. This loving tendency, however, can be overshadowed by selfish motives, which can lead to hatred or discord. Essentially, the quote underscores the importance of recognizing our altruistic capabilities while acknowledging the darker side that selfishness can bring.
Themes
Human NatureLoveHateSelfishnessRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might say, 'As Nathaniel Hawthorne said, it is to the credit of human nature that we love more readily than we hate, a reminder to embrace our capacity for kindness.'
More from Nathaniel Hawthorne
All quotes βA bodily disease which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
All merely graceful attributes are usually the most evanescent.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
There is so much wretchedness in the world, that we may safely take the word of any mortal professing to need our assistance; and, even should we be deceived, still the good to ourselves resulting from a kind act is worth more than the trifle by which we purchase it.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
Let men tremble to win the hand of woman, unless they win along with it the utmost passion of her heart! Else it may be their miserable fortune, when some mightier touch than their own may have awakened all her sensibilities, to be reproached even for the calm content, the marble image of happiness, which they will have imposed upon her as the warm reality.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
The thing you set your mind on is the thing you ultimately become.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead
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Do not commit spiritual suicide through a passion for discussing metaphysical subtleties.
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There are things I take sides about, like capital punishment, which it seems to me there is only one side about: it is evil. But there are two or three sides to sexual harassment, and the moment you get into particular cases, there is injustice in every conceivable direction. It's a mess.
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The greatest act of faith is when a man understands he is not God.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.Read