The heart of a man is a small thing but it desires great…
““The heart of a man is a small thing but it desires great matters. It is not big enough for a dog’s dinner but the whole world is not big enough for it. Man spares nothing that lives; he kills to feed himself, he kills to clothe himself, he kills to adorn himself, he kills to attack, he kills to defend himself, he kills to instruct himself, he kills to amuse himself, he kills for the sake of killing. From the lamb he tears its guts and makes his harp resound; from the wolf his most deadly tooth to polish his pretty works of art; from the elephant his tusks to make a toy for his child.(...)And who will exterminate him who exterminates all others?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human desire outgrows physical limits, leading to endless conflict and exploitation of other beings.
In simple terms: Human desire exceeds capacity, causing conflict.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of desire.
Themes
desire
conflict
exploitation
human nature
violence
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- war
- environmental degradation
- personal ambition
- resource competition
- moral dilemmas
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does unchecked desire affect society?
- Can compassion curb violent impulses?
A Different Perspective
Desire may be tempered by empathy and cooperation.