QuoteProject
The scornful nostril and the high head gather not the odors that lie on the track of truth.
George Eliot
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Unbiased perception is essential for discovering the truth.

In this quote, George Eliot conveys that those who approach the pursuit of truth with disdain and arrogance will miss out on the valuable insights that come with humility and open-mindedness. It highlights the importance of maintaining an impartial attitude when seeking knowledge and understanding.

Themes

TruthWisdomPerceptionHumilityUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about scientific theories, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for an open mind.

More from George Eliot

Go forward with joyful confidence.
George EliotRead
You must love your work, and not be always looking over the edge of it, wanting your play to begin. And the other is, you must not be ashamed of your work, and think it would be more honorable to you to be doing something else. You must have a pride in your own work and in learning to do it well.
George EliotRead
She thought it was part of the hardship of her life that there was laid upon her the burthen of larger wants than others seemed to feel – that she had to endure this wide hopeless yearning for that something, whatever it was, that was greatest and best on this earth.
George EliotRead
Life seems to go on without effort when I am filled with music.
George EliotRead
I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music.
George EliotRead
Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them: they can be injured by us, they can be wounded; they know all our penitence, all our aching sense that their place is empty, all the kisses we bestow on the smallest relic of their presence.
George EliotRead

Similar quotes

In engineering, that only is great which achieves. It matters not what the intention is, he who in the day of battle is not victorious is not saved by his intention.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
When I see the elaborate study and ingenuity displayed by women in the pursuit of trifles, I feel no doubt of their capacity for the most herculean undertakings.
Julia Ward HoweRead
What we learn through failure becomes a precious part of us, strengthening us in everything we do. So let the tough things make you tougher.
Soichiro HondaRead
Principles for the Development of a Complete Mind: Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses- especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
I could say that all my books were conceived by the time I was twenty, although they were not to be written for another thirty or forty years. But perhaps this is true of most writersβ€”the emotional storage is done very early on.
Marguerite YourcenarRead
Always remember, joy is not incidental to spiritual quest. It is vital.
Nachman Of BreslovRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.