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Man is a willful and covetous animal, who makes use of his…

“Man is a willful and covetous animal, who makes use of his intellect to satisfy his inclinations, but who cares nothing for truth, who rebels against personal discipline, who hates disinterested thought and the idea of self-education. Wisdom offends him, because it rouses in him disturbance and…” quote by Henri Frederic Amiel
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“Man is a willful and covetous animal, who makes use of his intellect to satisfy his inclinations, but who cares nothing for truth, who rebels against personal discipline, who hates disinterested thought and the idea of self-education. Wisdom offends him, because it rouses in him disturbance and confusion, and because he will not see himself as he is.”

Henri Frederic Amiel

About This Quote

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

Humans prioritize desire over truth, resisting discipline and self‑education, causing inner turmoil.

In simple terms: People chase desires, ignore truth.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate discipline and self‑education for inner peace.

Themes

desire truth discipline self‑education

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • education reform
  • mental health counseling

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can desire be harnessed positively?
  • What role does truth play in fulfillment?
A Different Perspective

Desire can also lead to growth.

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