Much as the sage may affect to despise the opinion of the…
“Much as the sage may affect to despise the opinion of the world, there are few who would not rather expose their lives a hundred times than be condemned to live on, in society, but not of it - a by-word of reproach to all who know their history, and a mark for scorn to point his finger at.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often prefer to live fully, even if condemned, rather than exist passively within society.
In simple terms: Choose active life over passive conformity.
Embrace risk and authenticity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- artistic expression
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “expose their lives a hundred times” mean to you?
- How do you balance societal norms with personal truth?
Risk of romanticizing suffering.