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.
He who sees a need and waits to be asked for help is as unkind as if he had refused it.
The knowledge of all things is possible
Do not be very upright in your dealings for you would see by going to the forest that straight trees are cut down while crooked ones are left standing.
His ignorance covers the world like a blanket, and there's scarcely a hole in it anywhere.
Sometimes it's best to speak from ignorance: that way, you can see the wood without being distracted by the trees.
I have no regrets, because I've done everything I could to the best of my ability.
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