We often fancy that we suffer from ingratitude, while in reality we suffer from self-love.
Walter Savage LandorRead
We listen to those whom we know to be of the same opinion as ourselves, and we call them wise for being of it; but we avoid such as differ from us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We tend to prefer and affirm those who share our views, often mistaking agreement for wisdom.
This quote highlights the human tendency to seek validation from like-minded individuals and to regard their insights as wise, while disregarding differing perspectives. It suggests that true wisdom requires the courage to listen to opposing views and recognize the value in differing opinions, rather than just surrounding ourselves with those who reinforce our beliefs.
Themes
OpinionsWisdomAgreementPerspectivesKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate, one might use this quote to encourage openness to different perspectives.
More from Walter Savage Landor
All quotes →The writing of the wise are the only riches our posterity cannot squander.
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Those who are quite satisfied sit still and do nothing; those who are not quite satisfied are the sole benefactors of the world.
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Death stands above me, whispering low I know not what into my ear; Of his strange language all I know Is, there is not a word of fear.
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Life and death appear more certainly ours than whatsoever else; and yet hardly can that be called ours, which comes without our knowledge, and goes without it.
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I strove with none, for none was worth my strife. Nature I loved and, next to Nature, Art: I warm'd both hands before the fire of life; It sinks, and I am ready to depart.
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