What is the scholar, what is the man for, but for…
““What is the scholar, what is the man for, but for hospitality to every new thought of his time? Have you leisure, power, property, friends? you shall be the asylum and patron of every new thought, every unproven opinion, every untried project, which proceeds out of good will and honest seeking. All the newspapers, all the tongues of to-day will of course at first defame what is noble; but you who hold not of to-day, not of the times, but of the Everlasting, are to stand for it: and the highest compliment, man ever receives from heaven, is the sending to him its disguised and discredited angels.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A scholar should protect and champion new ideas, despite criticism, guided by timeless values.
In simple terms: Support fresh thoughts even when they’re unpopular.
Key Takeaway
Champion innovative ideas with integrity.
Themes
knowledge
hospitality
innovation
integrity
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public discourse
- policy development
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
philosophy
intellectual freedom
ethical duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you defend unpopular ideas?
- What values guide your support?
A Different Perspective
Resistance from mainstream can suppress novel ideas.