The search for the truth is the most important work in the whole world - and the most dangerous.
James ClavellRead
How can a man be so brave and so stupid, so gentle and so cruel, so warming and so detestable -- all at the same time?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the duality of human nature, showcasing the complexity of contradictory traits within a single person.
James Clavell's quote delves into the intricacies of human behavior, suggesting that individuals can embody conflicting traits simultaneously. This observation reflects the duality present in human nature, where one can display both bravery and foolishness, kindness and cruelty. Such contradictions are inherent to the human experience, indicating that people are not solely defined by a single attribute but rather a multitude of characteristics that coalesce in unique and often contradictory ways.
Themes
Human NatureContradictionComplexityBraveryCrueltyDuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of heroism, one might refer to this quote to illustrate the complexities of human behavior.
More from James Clavell
All quotes βLove is a Christian word, Anjin-san. Love is a Christian thought, a Christian ideal. We have no word for 'love' as I understand you to mean it. Duty, loyalty, honor, respect, desire, those words and thoughts are what we have, all that we need.
James ClavellRead
.., by universal custom, your enemy is never more polite than when he is planning or has planned your destruction.
James ClavellRead
Of what real value is a title? The power is the only important thing
James ClavellRead
Similar quotes
The secret thoughts of a man run over all things, holy, profane, clean, obscene, grave, and light, without shame or blame.
Thomas HobbesRead
I can't gather around and talk about how much everybody in the room doesn't believe in God. I just don't - I don't have the energy for that, and so I... Agnostic separates me from the conduct of atheists whether or not there is strong overlap between the two categories, and at the end of the day I'd rather not be any category at all.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
Capitalism without failure is like religion without sin. Bankruptcies and losses concentrate the mind on prudent behavior.
Allan H. MeltzerRead
Yoga is a generic name for any discipline by which one attempts to pass out of the limits of one's ordinary mental consciousness into a greater spiritual consciousness.
Sri AurobindoRead
Verily all things move within your being in constant half embrace, the desired and the dreaded, the repugnant and the cherished, the pursued and that which you would escape.
Khalil GibranRead
The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.
Pope Pius IxRead