To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Primroses and landscapes, he pointed out, have one grave defect: they are gratuitous. A love of nature keeps no factories busy. It was decided to abolish the love of nature, at any rate among the lower classes. . . . it was essential that they should keep on going to the country, even though they hated it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the societal value placed on industrial productivity over a genuine appreciation for nature.
Aldous Huxley highlights the conflict between the appreciation of nature and the demands of a society focused on economic productivity. He points out that while natural beauty can enrich human experience, it does not contribute to commerce or industry, leading to a societal push to suppress such feelings among the lower classes, who are forced to engage with nature despite their lack of affection for it. This tension reveals the underlying philosophy that prioritizes utilitarian values over intrinsic beauty and emotional connection.
Themes
NatureSocietyAppreciationIndustrializationEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about environmental conservation, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of connecting with nature.
More from Aldous Huxley
All quotes →Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
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In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
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On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
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No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
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The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
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