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A civilization is a heritage of beliefs, customs, and knowledge slowly accumulated in the course of centuries, elements difficult at times to justify by logic, but justifying themselves as paths when they lead somewhere, since they open up for man his inner distance.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Civilization is built on deep-rooted beliefs and customs that may not always be logical but enrich our understanding of ourselves.

This quote suggests that civilization is more than just a collection of logical ideas; it comprises beliefs, customs, and knowledge that have developed over centuries. While some aspects may seem illogical, they serve a crucial purpose in guiding individuals on their personal journeys of self-discovery and understanding, ultimately expanding one's internal horizons and perspectives.

Themes

CivilizationBeliefsCustomsKnowledgeInner Self

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about the importance of traditions in modern society.

More from Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? " Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? " Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.
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Attitude is a paintbrush. It colors everything!
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Water, thou hast no taste, no color, no odor; canst not be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, thou fillest us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses.
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In those days, I didn't understand anything. I should have judged her according to her actions, not her words. She perfumed my planet and lit up my life. I should never have run away! I ought to have realized the tenderness underlying her silly pretensions. Flowers are so contadictory! But I was too young to know how to love her.
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When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey.
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When the body sinks into death, the essence of man is revealed. Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter. The body is an old crock that nobody will miss. I have never known a man to think of himself when dying. Never.
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