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Nature, in her wisdom, seems to have arranged it so that…

“Nature, in her wisdom, seems to have arranged it so that men's stupidity should be ephemeral, and books make them immortal. A fool ought to be content having exacerbated everyone around him, but he insists tormenting future generations.” quote by Charles-Louis de Secondat, de la Brède et de Montesquieu
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““Nature, in her wisdom, seems to have arranged it so that men's stupidity should be ephemeral, and books make them immortal. A fool ought to be content having exacerbated everyone around him, but he insists tormenting future generations.””

Charles-Louis de Secondat, de la Brède et de Montesquieu

About This Quote

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

The quote contrasts fleeting human stupidity with the lasting immortality of books, suggesting fools may cause trouble but books endure.

In simple terms: Books outlast human folly.

Key Takeaway

Value enduring knowledge.

Themes

literature wisdom human folly immortality knowledge

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • personal growth
  • library curation
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

Philosophy history of ideas

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do books preserve ideas?
  • What is the role of folly in progress?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify human impact.

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