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
All quotes βMany things about our bodies would not seem to us so filthy and obscene if we did not have the idea of nobility in our heads.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
Astronomy is perhaps the science whose discoveries owe least to chance, in which human understanding appears in its whole magnitude, and through which man can best learn how small he is.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
The thoughts written on the walls of madhouses by their inmates might be worth publicizing.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
The noble simplicity in the works of nature only too often originates in the noble shortsightedness of him who observes it.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
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?
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
Similar quotes
Don't see yourself as a body of clay; See yourself as a mirror reflecting the divine beauty.
RumiRead
The gigantic tension before the shooting of an arrow, and the total relaxation seconds later, is my way of connecting to the universe.
Paulo CoelhoRead
All service ranks the same with God,- With God, whose puppets, best and worst, Are we: there is no last nor first.
Robert BrowningRead
There are five dark matters and five lamps. Love of this world is darkness, and the fear of Allaah is its lamp. Sin is darkness, and its lamp is repentance. The grave is darkness, and its lamp is 'none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah.' The hereafter is darkness, and its lamp is the good deed. The Siraat is darkness, and its lamp is certainty of faith.
Abu BakrRead
There's not the least thing can be said or done, but people will talk and find fault.
Dante AlighieriRead
To the rulers of the state then, if to any, it belongs of right to use falsehood, to deceive either enemies or their own citizens, for the good of the state: and no one else may meddle with this privilege.
PlatoRead