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.
The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.
...Wizard's Fifth Rule: Mind what people do, not only what they say, for deeds will betray a lie.
Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted... but to weigh and consider.
Itβs never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesnβt hurt you.
You don't have to get a job that makes others feel comfortable about what they perceive as your success. You don't have to explain what your plan to do with your life. You don't have to justify your education by demonstrating its financial rewards. You don't have to maintain an impeccable credit score. Anyone who expects you to do any of those things has no sense of history of economics or science or the arts.
It is often said that second thoughts are best. So they are in matters of judgment but not in matters of conscience.
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