It’s only human,' you cry in defense of any depravity…
““It’s only human,' you cry in defense of any depravity, reaching the stage of self-abasement where you seek to make the concept 'human' mean the weakling, the fool, the rotter, the liar, the failure, the coward, the fraud, and to exile from the human race the hero, the thinker, the producer, the inventor, the strong, the purposeful, the pure—as if 'to feel' were human, but to think were not, as if to fail were human, but to succeed were not, as if corruption were human, but virtue were not—as if the premise of death were proper to man, but the premise of life were not.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humanity is often defined by weakness, but true humanity includes strength, purpose, and virtue, not just suffering.
In simple terms: Humanity isn’t just about feeling weak.
Key Takeaway
Embrace both empathy and rational achievement.
Themes
human nature
morality
strength
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
essay
argumentative
When to use this quote
- ethical debates
- personal development
- leadership
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
existentialism
objectivism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can strength and compassion coexist?
- What defines true humanity for you?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks the value of compassion and shared vulnerability.