Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
You are very harsh.' 'I have seen the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects a perspective shaped by life's experiences, suggesting that harshness can stem from a deep understanding of reality.
Voltaire's statement implies that one who has observed and experienced the complexities and harshness of the world might adopt a critical or stern viewpoint. It speaks to the idea that true wisdom often comes from facing difficult truths and that those who have navigated life's challenges may seem harsh, but their perspective is rooted in genuine understanding.
Themes
HarshnessExperienceWisdomLifeUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the challenges of adulthood, one might say, 'You are very harsh.' 'I have seen the world, itβs not an easy place.'
More from Voltaire
All quotes βHe was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead.
VoltaireRead
It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
VoltaireRead
It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.
VoltaireRead
We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
VoltaireRead
It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
VoltaireRead
Similar quotes
The answer is that we are not helpless in the face of our first impressions. They may bubble up from the unconscious - from behind a locked door inside of our brain - but just because something is outside of awareness doesn't mean it's outside of control.
Malcolm GladwellRead
You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.
Publilius SyrusRead
Everything is based on mind, is led by mind, is fashioned by mind. If you speak and act with a polluted mind, suffering will follow you, as the wheels of the oxcart follow the footsteps of the ox. Everything is based on mind, is led by mind, is fashioned by mind. If you speak and act with a pure mind, happiness will follow you, as a shadow clings to a form.
Gautama BuddhaRead
I am in that temper that if I were under water I would scarcely kick to come to the top.
John KeatsRead
The miserable have no other medicine But only hope.
William ShakespeareRead
The most successful war seldom pays for its losses.
Thomas JeffersonRead