All my own experience of life teaches me the contempt of…
“All my own experience of life teaches me the contempt of cunning, not the fear. The phrase "profound cunning," has always seemed to me a contradiction in terms. I never knew a cunning mind which was not either shallow, or on some point diseased.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cunning is inherently shallow or corrupted; true wisdom avoids deceit.
In simple terms: Cunning is flawed; seek honesty.
Key Takeaway
Value integrity over cleverness.
Themes
ethics
character
wisdom
deception
human nature
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political leadership
- business negotiations
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- When is cunning justified?
- Can cleverness coexist with virtue?
A Different Perspective
Cunning can sometimes be used for protective or strategic purposes.