The sun, the moon and the stars would have disappeared long ago... had they happened to be within the reach of predatory human hands.
Havelock EllisRead
A man must not swallow more beliefs than he can digest.
Interpretation
One should not take on more beliefs or ideas than they can properly understand and integrate.
In this quote, Havelock Ellis emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating the beliefs we adopt. Just like food, beliefs need to be digested and understood; if we take on too many without the ability to process them, we may become overwhelmed or confused. This underscores the value of discernment and personal understanding in forming one's worldview.
In practice
During a philosophical debate, to highlight the importance of thorough understanding before accepting new ideas.
The sun, the moon and the stars would have disappeared long ago... had they happened to be within the reach of predatory human hands.
Life is livable because we know that wherever we go most of the people we meet will be restrained in their actions towards us by an almost instinctive network of taboos.
To live remains an art which everyone must learn, and which no one can teach.
The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw.
Every man of genius sees the world at a different angle from his fellows, and there is his tragedy.
It is on our failures that we base a new and different and better success.
Whosoever wisely examines the works of God will speedily discover what is next to be done.
Alas! You complain that your soul is out of tune. Then ask the Master to tune the heart-strings.
I never work just to work. It's some combination of laziness and self-respect.
I do know that the slickest way to lie is to tell the right amount of truth--then shut up.
When you blame yourself, you learn from it. If you blame someone else, you don't learn nothing, cause hey, it's not your fault, it's his fault, over there.
I believe in order that I may understand.
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