The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
Every man has his moral backside which he refrains from showing unless he has to and keeps covered as long as possible with the trousers of decorum.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often hide their true selves and moral flaws behind social decorum and appearances.
This quote reflects on the notion that individuals generally conceal their imperfections and moral shortcomings to maintain a socially acceptable image. The 'moral backside' symbolizes the less desirable traits that one masks behind the 'trousers of decorum,' suggesting that while we strive to present a respectable facade, everyone has a flawed human side that they keep hidden from others until absolutely necessary.
Themes
MoralDecorumAppearanceHuman NatureTruth
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the nature of authenticity in relationships.
More from Georg C. Lichtenberg
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Food probably has a very great influence on the condition of men. Wine exercises a more visible influence, food does it more slowly but perhaps just as surely. Who knows if a well-prepared soup was not responsible for the pneumatic pump or a poor one for a war?
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