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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.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
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Interpretation

What this quote means

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.

Themes

WisdomIllusionsAgeMadnessHuman Nature

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the nature of wisdom in a philosophy class.

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