The existence of the soldier, next to capital punishment, is the most grievous vestige of barbarism which survives among men.
Alfred De VignyRead
I have a private theory, Sir, that there are no heroes and no monsters in this world. Only children should be allowed to use these words
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that concepts of heroes and monsters are simplistic and best left to the imagination of children.
Alfred De Vigny's quote reflects a philosophical perspective on human nature, arguing that the terms 'heroes' and 'monsters' are oversimplifications that fail to capture the complexities of morality and character in adulthood. He proposes that as mature individuals, we should recognize the shades of grey within humanity rather than confining people to these binary roles, which are more fitting for the innocent and imaginative minds of children.
Themes
HeroesMonstersHuman NaturePhilosophyMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about morality in literature, one might say, 'As Alfred De Vigny said, there are no heroes and no monsters in this world, reminding us to see the complexity in people.'
More from Alfred De Vigny
All quotes βWe shall find in our troubled hearts, where discord reigns, two needs which seem at variance, but which merge, as I think, in a common source - the love of the true, and the love of the fabulous.
Alfred De VignyRead
History is a novel for which the people is the author.
Alfred De VignyRead
Do you not see with your own eyes the chrysalis fact assume by degrees the wings of fiction?
Alfred De VignyRead
Of what use were the arts if they were only the reproduction and the imitation of life?
Alfred De VignyRead
Of what use is the memory of facts, if not to serve as an example of good or of evil?
Alfred De VignyRead
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What if God were not exactly truth, and if this could be proved? And if he were instead the vanity, the desire for power, the ambitions, the fear, and the enraptured and terrified folly of mankind?
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