To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Industrial civilization is only possible when there's no self-denial. Self-indulgence up to the very limits imposed by hygiene and economics. Otherwise the wheels stop turning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that modern industrial society thrives on self-indulgence, relying on consumer satisfaction without restraint to function effectively.
Aldous Huxley's quote suggests that the advancement of industrial civilization is intrinsically tied to the concept of self-indulgence. It posits that as long as individuals pursue their desires without denying themselves, the mechanisms of society—like production and consumption—can operate smoothly. However, any significant restraint or self-denial disrupts this flow, halting progress and efficiency. Thus, it speaks to the precarious balance between human desires and the necessities of a functional economy.
Themes
Self-IndulgenceCivilizationEconomicsHygieneDesireSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about consumerism, one could use this quote to highlight the dependence of industrial society on fulfilling human desires.
More from Aldous Huxley
All quotes →Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
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In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
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On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
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No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
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The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
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