Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
For this world that men have made, none of us is bad enough. For the world that made us, none is good enough.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that human flaws are created by societal conditions, and no one can be deemed wholly good in the context of those conditions.
Edward Abbey's quote reflects on the duality of human nature and society. It implies that the faults and failings of individuals are often a reflection of the world they inhabit, emphasizing that while society might shape us in a negative way, it also reveals the inherent challenges of goodness. The dichotomy suggests that the structures and issues of the world are so complex that true goodness is unattainable within its confines, thus provoking contemplation on our moral standings and the societal constructs we live by.
Themes
Human NatureSocietyGoodnessFlawsPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the impact of society on personal morality, this quote could highlight the complexities of human behavior.
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes βI love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
Edward AbbeyRead
If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
Edward AbbeyRead
The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
Edward AbbeyRead
I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
Edward AbbeyRead
Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead
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The time at our disposal each day is elastic; the passions we feel dilate it, those that inspire us shrink it, and habit fills it.
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