Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
I have lived eighty years of life and know nothing for it, but to be resigned and tell myself that flies are born to be eaten by spiders and man to be devoured by sorrow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life involves suffering, and acceptance of this fact is crucial.
This quote by Voltaire reflects a deep philosophical perspective on the nature of existence and the inevitability of suffering. The imagery of flies being consumed by spiders serves as a metaphor for life's challenges and sorrows, suggesting that just as some creatures are destined to be prey, humans too must come to terms with the hardships they face, finding resignation and acceptance as vital responses to their inevitable struggles.
Themes
LifeSufferingAcceptanceResignationPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a discussion about the nature of suffering in a philosophy class.
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All quotes →He was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead.
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It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
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It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.
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We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
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It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
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