Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
You are very harsh.' 'I have seen the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects a perspective shaped by life's experiences, suggesting that harshness can stem from a deep understanding of reality.
Voltaire's statement implies that one who has observed and experienced the complexities and harshness of the world might adopt a critical or stern viewpoint. It speaks to the idea that true wisdom often comes from facing difficult truths and that those who have navigated life's challenges may seem harsh, but their perspective is rooted in genuine understanding.
Themes
HarshnessExperienceWisdomLifeUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the challenges of adulthood, one might say, 'You are very harsh.' 'I have seen the world, itβs not an easy place.'
More from Voltaire
All quotes βHe was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead.
VoltaireRead
It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
VoltaireRead
It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.
VoltaireRead
We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
VoltaireRead
It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
VoltaireRead
Similar quotes
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.'
Saint Francis De SalesRead
Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
No man or woman of the humblest sort can really be strong, gentle and good, without the world being better for it, without somebody being helped and comforted by the very existence of that goodness.
Alan AldaRead
When have you ever seen someone who had no doubts who was also correct about anything?
Orson Scott CardRead
For most of us, for almost all of us, truth can be attained, if at all, only in silence. It is in silence that the human spirit touches the divine.
Iris MurdochRead
There are lots of things we never understand, no matter how many years we put on, no matter how much experience we accumulate.
Haruki MurakamiRead