The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
If it were true what in the end would be gained? Nothing but another truth. Is this such a mighty advantage? We have enough old truths still to digest, and even these we would be quite unable to endure if we did not sometimes flavor them with lies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the value of new truths, suggesting that existing truths are already overwhelming and often require embellishment.
In this quote, Georg C. Lichtenberg reflects on the nature of truth and the human condition regarding knowledge. He implies that while uncovering new truths may seem important, it may not provide significant benefits since we are already burdened with established truths that challenge our understanding. Moreover, he suggests that people often find it necessary to temper these truths with 'lies' or comforting distortions to make them more palatable, highlighting a complex relationship with reality and perception.
Themes
TruthLiesKnowledgePhilosophyPerceptionReality
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy discussion group, when discussing the complexities of truth.
More from Georg C. Lichtenberg
All quotes →Many things about our bodies would not seem to us so filthy and obscene if we did not have the idea of nobility in our heads.
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Astronomy is perhaps the science whose discoveries owe least to chance, in which human understanding appears in its whole magnitude, and through which man can best learn how small he is.
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The thoughts written on the walls of madhouses by their inmates might be worth publicizing.
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The noble simplicity in the works of nature only too often originates in the noble shortsightedness of him who observes it.
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Food probably has a very great influence on the condition of men. Wine exercises a more visible influence, food does it more slowly but perhaps just as surely. Who knows if a well-prepared soup was not responsible for the pneumatic pump or a poor one for a war?
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
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