So much of the news was invented for propaganda.
Elsa MoranteRead
Man, by his very nature, tends to give himself an explanation of the world into which he is born. And this is what distinguishes him from the other species. Every individual, even the least intelligent, the lowest of outcasts, from childhood on gives himself some explanation of the world. And with it he manages to live. And without it, he would sink into madness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans seek to understand their existence and the world around them, which is essential for mental stability.
This quote by Elsa Morante emphasizes the innate human drive to interpret and make sense of the world. It suggests that every individual, regardless of their intelligence or social status, crafts personal explanations of their reality as a means to cope with life. Morante posits that this quest for understanding is what prevents humanity from descending into chaos or madness, highlighting the fundamental role of self-explanation in human psychology.
Themes
Human NatureUnderstandingExistenceMental StabilitySelf-Explanation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a philosophical discussion about the nature of human consciousness.
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Until and unless you discover that money is the root of all good, you ask for your own destruction. When money ceases to become the means by which men deal with one another, then men become the tools of other men. Blood, whips and guns--or dollars. Take your choice--there is no other.
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I guess my overall life plan is to think about issues that concern me and try to use culture generally to make sense of them. I'm more worried that I'm going to die before I've had time.
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