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If, while hurrying ostensibly to the temple of truth, we…

“If, while hurrying ostensibly to the temple of truth, we hand the reins over to our personal interests which look aside at very different guiding stars, for instance at the tastes and foibles of our contemporaries, at the established religion, but in particular at the hints and suggestions of…” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
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“If, while hurrying ostensibly to the temple of truth, we hand the reins over to our personal interests which look aside at very different guiding stars, for instance at the tastes and foibles of our contemporaries, at the established religion, but in particular at the hints and suggestions of those at the head of affairs, then how shall we ever reach the high, precipitous, bare rock whereon stands the temple of truth?”

Arthur Schopenhauer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He warns that personal interests and societal pressures distract from the pursuit of ultimate truth.

In simple terms: Distractions prevent us from reaching truth.

Key Takeaway

Focus on higher goals despite distractions.

Themes

truth philosophy distraction

Mood

reflective philosophical

Type

inspirational cautionary

When to use this quote

  • politics
  • religion
  • personal ambition

Key Concepts

will reason morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal interests cloud your judgment?
  • How can you stay true to truth?
A Different Perspective

Even noble pursuits can be derailed by bias.

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