The man who has sufficient power over himself to wait until his nature has recovered its even balance is the truly wise man, but such beings are seldom met with.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
For my future I have no concern, and as a true philosopher, I never would have any, for I know not what it may be: as a Christian, on the other hand, faith must believe without discussion, and the stronger it is, the more it keeps silent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the tension between philosophical inquiry and the faith of a Christian.
Casanova highlights the contrast between a philosopher's view of uncertainty regarding the future and a Christian's call to have unwavering faith despite the unknown. He suggests that true philosophical thought embraces questions and doubts, while strong faith requires silence and acceptance without the need for evidence or discussion.
Themes
FaithPhilosophyUncertaintySilenceBelief
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the balance between inquiry and faith during a philosophy class.
More from Giacomo Casanova
All quotes →I have met with some of them - very honest fellows, who, with all their stupidity, had a kind of intelligence and an upright good sense, which cannot be the characteristics of fools.
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From that moment our love became sad, and sadness is a disease which gives the death-blow to affection.
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The mind of a human being is formed only of comparisons made in order to examine analogies, and therefore cannot precede the existence of memory.
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I have had friends who have acted kindly towards me, and it has been my good fortune to have it in my power to give them substantial proofs of my gratitude.
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Man is free; yet we must not suppose that he is at liberty to do everything he pleases, for he becomes a slave the moment he allows his actions to be ruled by passion.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
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