It takes a wonderful brain and exquisite senses to produce a few stupid ideas.
George SantayanaRead
Thought is essentially practical in the sense that but for thought no motion would be an action, no change a progress.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Thought drives actions and progress; without it, movement lacks purpose.
In this quote, George Santayana emphasizes the fundamental role of thought in facilitating action and change. He suggests that without the cognitive processes of contemplation and intention, mere physical movement cannot be classified as purposeful action or significant progress. This underscores the crucial relationship between thought and the ability to achieve meaningful outcomes in life.
Themes
ThoughtActionChangeProgressPhilosophyIntention
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about motivation, I might say, 'As George Santayana said, thought is essential for action and progress.'
More from George Santayana
All quotes βThe working of great institutions is mainly the result of a vast mass of routine, petty malice, self interest, carelessness and sheer mistake. Only a residual fraction is thought.
George SantayanaRead
There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval. The dark background which death supplies brings out the tender colours of life in all their purity.
George SantayanaRead
Not to believe in love is a great sign of dullness. There are some people so indirect and lumbering that they think all real affection rests on circumstantial evidence.
George SantayanaRead
To feel beauty is a better thing than to understand how we come to feel it. To have imagination and taste, to love the best, to be carried by the contemplation of nature to a vivid faith in the ideal, all this is more, a great deal more, than any science can hope to be.
George SantayanaRead
The vital straining towards an ideal, definite but latent, when it dominates a whole life, may express that ideal more fully than could the best chosen words.
George SantayanaRead
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