Oh, I suppose all men of intelligence know how fragile…
““Oh, I suppose all men of intelligence know how fragile such things as Law and Justice and Civilization really are, but it's not a thing they think of willingly, because it disturbs one's rest and plays hob with one's appetite.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Intelligence recognizes the fragility of law, justice, and civilization, but people avoid thinking about it because it disrupts comfort.
In simple terms: Smart people know society is fragile, but ignore it to stay comfortable.
Acknowledge fragility, protect institutions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- legal reform
- public discourse
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance comfort with vigilance?
- What risks arise when societies ignore their own fragility?
Ignoring fragility can lead to complacency and eventual collapse.