The man who has sufficient power over himself to wait until his nature has recovered its even balance is the truly wise man, but such beings are seldom met with.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
I have always loved truth so passionately that I have often resorted to lying as a way of introducing it into the minds which were ignorant of its charms.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the complexity of truth and the sometimes necessary deception to convey it.
Giacomo Casanova reflects on his deep admiration for truth, suggesting that his passion for it led him to occasionally use lies as a means to present the truth to those who were not aware of its beauty. This illustrates the paradox of seeking understanding through seemingly contradictory actions, as well as the effort to counter ignorance with enlightenment, even if it requires unconventional methods.
Themes
TruthLyingIgnoranceEnlightenmentPassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about ethics, this quote might be cited to illustrate the complexity of honesty.
More from Giacomo Casanova
All quotes βI have met with some of them - very honest fellows, who, with all their stupidity, had a kind of intelligence and an upright good sense, which cannot be the characteristics of fools.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
From that moment our love became sad, and sadness is a disease which gives the death-blow to affection.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
The mind of a human being is formed only of comparisons made in order to examine analogies, and therefore cannot precede the existence of memory.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
For my future I have no concern, and as a true philosopher, I never would have any, for I know not what it may be: as a Christian, on the other hand, faith must believe without discussion, and the stronger it is, the more it keeps silent.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
I have had friends who have acted kindly towards me, and it has been my good fortune to have it in my power to give them substantial proofs of my gratitude.
Giacomo CasanovaRead
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