Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that understanding any situation requires hearing multiple perspectives, especially when it comes to morality and good versus evil.
Samuel Butler's quote emphasizes the importance of acknowledging all viewpoints before forming a judgment, particularly regarding moral questions. He points out that while we may hear only one side of a storyβoften the side condemning 'the devil'βit is crucial to remember that the narrative is incomplete without considering the other side. This reflection on morality serves as a reminder that life is complex, and understanding the full context can lead to greater wisdom and insight.
Themes
ApologyDevilMoralityPerspectiveUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about morality, one could use this quote to remind others that all viewpoints should be considered.
More from Samuel Butler
All quotes βTo know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him.
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Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
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Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
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People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
Samuel ButlerRead
A friend who cannot at a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.
Samuel ButlerRead
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