Nothing human is finally calculable; even to ourselves we are strange.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that human nature is complex and unpredictable, even to ourselves.
Gore Vidal's quote highlights the inherent unpredictability of human behavior and the complexities of self-knowledge. It implies that despite our attempts to understand and quantify human actions and motivations, there remains an element of strangeness that defies calculation, underscoring the intricacies of individuality and the mysterious aspects of our own identities that we may never fully comprehend.
In practice
In a philosophy class discussing the nature of humanity, this quote can be used to illustrate the complexities of self-perception.
We must declare ourselves, become known; allow the world to discover this subterranean life of ours which connects kings and farm boys, artists and clerks. Let them see that the important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
American writers want to be not good but great; and so are neither.
Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.
The important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
For the average American, freedom of speech is simply the freedom to repeat what everyone else is saying and no more.
Ayn Rand's 'philosophy' is nearly perfect in its immorality, which makes the size of her audience all the more ominous and symptomatic as we enter a curious new phase in our society.... To justify and extol human greed and egotism is to my mind not only immoral, but evil.
To be born means being compelled to choose an era, a place, a life. To exist here, now, means to lost the possibility of being countless other potential selves.. Yet once being born there is no turning back. And I think that's exactly why the fantasy worlds of cartoon movies so strongly represent our hopes and yearnings. They illustrate a world of lost possibilities for us.
The way you are with others every day, regardless of their status, is the true test of faith.
Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice.
The underlying assumption that human nature is basically the same at all times, everywhere, and obeys eternal laws beyond human control, is a conception that only a handful of bold thinkers have dared to question.
Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.
A dance is the devil's procession, and he that entereth into a dance, entereth into his possession.
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