Civilization is first of all a moral thing. Without truth, respect for duty, love of neighbor, and virtue, everything is destroyed. The morality of a society is alone the basis of civilization.
Henri Frederic AmielRead
A man must be able to cut a knot, for everything cannot be untied; he must know how to disengage what is essential from the detail in which it is enwrapped, for everything cannot be equally considered; in a word, he must be able to simplify his duties, his business and his life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of simplicity and discernment in life.
Henri Frederic Amiel's quote highlights the necessity for individuals to possess the ability to simplify complex situations and identify what truly matters. In life, not everything can be resolved, and the art of managing responsibilities lies in prioritizing essential aspects over trivial details, thereby facilitating a clearer path to fulfillment and effectiveness.
Themes
SimplicityPrioritizationClarityLifeDuties
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech about effective time management.
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It is by teaching that we teach ourselves, by relating that we observe, by affirming that we examine, by showing that we look, by writing that we think, by pumping that we draw water into the well.
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