Now I have no notion at all of propounding a new ideal…
““Now I have no notion at all of propounding a new ideal. There is no new ideal imaginable by the madness of modern sophists, which will be anything like so startling as fulfilling any one of the old ones. On the day that any copybook maxim is carried out there will be something like an earthquake on the earth. There is only one thing new that can be done under the sun; and that is to look at the sun. If you attempt it on a blue day in June, you will know why men do not look straight at their ideals.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True originality is rare; often the most profound acts are simple, like looking directly at reality.
In simple terms: New ideas are rare; look at reality.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth in simple observation.
Themes
originality
truth
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- art criticism
- personal growth
- scientific inquiry
Key Concepts
idealism
realism
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What simple truth have you ignored?
- How does looking at reality challenge your beliefs?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can overlook practical constraints.