It takes a wonderful brain and exquisite senses to produce a few stupid ideas.
George SantayanaRead
We crave support in vanity, as we do in religion, and never forgive contradictions in that sphere.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People seek validation for their beliefs, much like they do in religious faith, and resist opposing views strongly.
George Santayana's quote highlights the human tendency to desire affirmation and support for our personal beliefs and vanity. Just as individuals often anticipate unwavering support and agreement in matters of faith, they similarly expect the same in areas of personal pride, and are often unwilling to accept or forgive any contradictions or challenges to those beliefs.
Themes
SupportVanityBeliefsContradictionsReligion
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of self-esteem, one might use this quote to highlight how people react to differing opinions.
More from George Santayana
All quotes βThe working of great institutions is mainly the result of a vast mass of routine, petty malice, self interest, carelessness and sheer mistake. Only a residual fraction is thought.
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There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval. The dark background which death supplies brings out the tender colours of life in all their purity.
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Not to believe in love is a great sign of dullness. There are some people so indirect and lumbering that they think all real affection rests on circumstantial evidence.
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To feel beauty is a better thing than to understand how we come to feel it. To have imagination and taste, to love the best, to be carried by the contemplation of nature to a vivid faith in the ideal, all this is more, a great deal more, than any science can hope to be.
George SantayanaRead
The vital straining towards an ideal, definite but latent, when it dominates a whole life, may express that ideal more fully than could the best chosen words.
George SantayanaRead
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