Now the basest thought possible concerning man is, that he…
“Now the basest thought possible concerning man is, that he has no spiritual nature; and the foolishest misunderstanding of him possible is, that he has, or should have, no animal nature. For his nature is nobly animal, nobly spiritual,--coherently and irrevocably so; neither part of it may, but at its peril, expel, despise, or defy the other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human nature comprises both animal instincts and spiritual aspirations, which must coexist harmoniously.
In simple terms: People are both physical and spiritual beings.
Balance body and spirit.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you honor both aspects of yourself?
- What happens when one side dominates?
Neglecting one side can cause inner conflict.