From a purely positivist point of view, man is the most mysterious and disconcerting of all the objects met with by science.
Pierre Teilhard De ChardinRead
What a fool I was! and yet, in the sight of angels, are we any wiser as we grow older? It seems to me, only, that our illusions change as we go on; but, still, we are madmen all the same.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the folly of human nature and the nature of wisdom as we age.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's quote highlights the paradox of human wisdom; while we may think we gain insight with age, our fundamental illusions simply shift rather than disappear. It suggests a critical view of self-perception and the universal madness that accompanies the human experience, prompting us to consider whether true wisdom is ever attained or merely an evolving understanding of our own ignorance.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the nature of wisdom in a philosophy class.
From a purely positivist point of view, man is the most mysterious and disconcerting of all the objects met with by science.
For most people, there are only two places in the world. Where they live and their TV set. If a thing happens on television, we have every right to find it fascinating, whatever it is.
The government was set to protect man from criminals, and the Constitution was written to protect man from the government.
Become major, Paul. Live like a hero. That's what the classics teach us. Be a main character. Otherwise what is life for?
...she moved about in a mental cloud of many-coloured idealities, which eclipsed all sinister contingencies by its brightness.
Man has always been half-monster, half-dreamer.
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