When one is young, one venerates and despises without that…
“When one is young, one venerates and despises without that art of nuances which constitutes the best gain of life, and it is only fair that one has to pay dearly for having assaulted men and things in this manner with Yes and No. Everything is arranged so that the worst of tastes, the taste for the unconditional, should be cruelly fooled and abused until a man learns to put a little art into his feelings and rather to risk trying even what is artificial — as the real artists of life do.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Youth lacks nuance, leading to extreme judgments; mature insight requires balancing extremes and embracing artistic feeling.
In simple terms: Young people judge harshly; maturity seeks balance.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate nuanced, artistic perspectives.
Themes
youth
nuance
philosophy
growth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political debates
- creative work
Key Concepts
binary thinking
artistic sensibility
ethical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance judgment with empathy?
- When does artistic feeling hinder rationality?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on nuance can cause indecision.