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George's son had done his work so thoroughly that he was…

“George's son had done his work so thoroughly that he was considered too good a workman to live, and was, in fact, taken and tragically shot at twelve o'clock that same day—another instance of the untoward fate which so often attends dogs and other philosophers who follow out a train of reasoning…” quote by Thomas Hardy
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“George's son had done his work so thoroughly that he was considered too good a workman to live, and was, in fact, taken and tragically shot at twelve o'clock that same day—another instance of the untoward fate which so often attends dogs and other philosophers who follow out a train of reasoning to its logical conclusion, and attempt perfectly consistent conduct in a world made up so largely of compromise.”

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

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

A brilliant mind that follows logic to its extreme can be destroyed by a world that values compromise over consistency.

In simple terms: Rigid logic can be fatal in a compromising world.

Key Takeaway

Balance logic with empathy.

Themes

logic philosophy compromise consequences

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • legal reasoning
  • personal relationships
  • career decisions

Key Concepts

determinism ethical absolutism social reality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile ideal principles with real‑world compromise?
  • When is flexibility more ethical than strict logic?
A Different Perspective

Pure rationality may clash with human unpredictability.

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