But wise is the man who disdains no character, but with searching glance explores him to the root and cause of all.
Interpretation
True wisdom involves understanding and valuing all character traits, seeking to uncover their deeper causes.
This quote by Nikolai Gogol emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in understanding people. It suggests that a wise individual does not judge others superficially, but instead takes the time to delve deep into their character, examining the underlying motivations and causes that shape a person's behavior. Such an approach fosters empathy and a broader understanding of human nature.
In practice
During a discussion about personal growth, this quote could remind others to look beyond first impressions.
At the end of the table, the secretary was reading the decision in some case, but in such a mournful and monotonous voice, that the condemned man himself would have fallen asleep while listening to it. The judge, no doubt, would have been the first of all to do so, had he not entered into an engrossing conversation while it was going on.
You can't imagine how stupid the whole world has grown nowadays.
Two turtle doves will show thee Where my cold ashes lie And sadly murmuring tell thee How in tears I did die
Nothing could be more pleasant than to live in solitude, enjoy the spectacle of nature, and occasionally read some book.
I here ask pardon of all my compatriots for everything of which I have been guilty towards them. I know that, by my ill-considered and immature works, I have brought distress to many and that I have even provoked others to attack me openly and, in general, have produced displeasure in many.
If you have not first pondered the entire situation of the man whom you wish to help, and if you have not brought with you instructions for him to follow henceforth in leading his life, he will not receive great good from your help.
The amity that wisdom knits not, folly may easily untie.
From my example learn to be just, and not to despise the gods.
Certainty is not biologically possible. We must learn (and teach our children) to tolerate the unpleasantness of uncertainty. Science has given us the language and tools of probabilities. We have methods for analyzing and ranking opinion according to their likelihood of correctness. That is enough.
One of the advantages of being disorganized is the joy of discovery.
[T]he values to which people cling most stubbornly under inappropriate conditions are those values that were previously the source of their greatest triumphs.
We are free to choose our actions, . . . but we are not free to choose the consequences of these actions.
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