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It is the style of idealism to console itself for the loss of something old with the ability to gape at something new.
Karl Kraus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Idealism finds comfort in the new when it loses something valuable.

In this quote, Karl Kraus reflects on the nature of idealism, suggesting that individuals who hold idealistic views often cope with the sadness of losing the familiar by embracing the possibilities and excitement of new experiences. This highlights the duality of human emotions, where loss and gain coexist, and encourages a perspective that values change and growth.

Themes

IdealismChangeLossNew BeginningsGrowth

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about embracing change in our lives.

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Democracy divides people into workers and loafers. It makes no provision for those who have no time to work.
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The mission of the press is to spread culture while destroying the attention span.
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War: first, one hopes to win; then one expects the enemy to lose; then, one is satisfied that he too is suffering; in the end, one is surprised that everyone has lost.
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Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match.
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Experiences are savings which a miser puts aside. Wisdom is an inheritance which a wastrel cannot exhaust.
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Sexuality poorly repressed unsettles some families; well repressed, it unsettles the whole world.
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