Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests a contradiction in human nature, highlighting our ability to empathize with others while having the capacity for harm.
Samuel Butler's quote reflects the paradox of human relationships, where individuals can maintain a façade of friendliness towards others, even those they intend to exploit or harm. It raises questions about morality and the complexity of human behavior, suggesting that humans uniquely possess the capability to both empathize and betray, illustrating a deep contradiction within our nature.
Themes
Human NatureEmpathyBetrayalMoralityRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical debate about ethics, one might use this quote to illustrate the duality of human relationships.
More from Samuel Butler
All quotes →To know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him.
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Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
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An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
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Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
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People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
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Preach in the name of God. The learned will smile; ask the learned what they have done for their country. The priests will excommunicate you; say to the priests that you know God better than all of them together do, and that between God and His law you have no need of any intermediary. The people will understand you, and repeat with you: We believe in God the Father, who is Intelligence and Love, Creator and Teacher of Humanity. And in this saying you and the People will conquer.
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