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In this way all violent bonds and orders are cancelled as…

“In this way all violent bonds and orders are cancelled as if the freedom of the primal world had been restored with one blow. Man, too, is made open and true by this freedom. Wine, as Plutarch says so nicely, frees the soul of subservience, fear, and insincerity; it teaches men how to be truthful…” quote by Walter Friedrich Otto
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““In this way all violent bonds and orders are cancelled as if the freedom of the primal world had been restored with one blow. Man, too, is made open and true by this freedom. Wine, as Plutarch says so nicely, frees the soul of subservience, fear, and insincerity; it teaches men how to be truthful and candid with one another. It reveals that which was hidden. Wine and truth have long been associated in proverbs. It is a good thing, so it is said, to search for the truth in earnest conversation while one drinks wine, and agreements arrived at over a wine glass were at one time considered to be the most sacred and inviolable agreements.””

Walter Friedrich Otto

About This Quote

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

Wine is portrayed as a catalyst that removes social restraints, fostering honesty and revealing hidden truths, making agreements made under its influence sacred.

In simple terms: Wine frees people to speak truthfully and form sincere bonds.

Key Takeaway

Seek honest dialogue, perhaps over wine, to uncover truth.

Themes

honesty freedom social bonds truth rituals

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical cultural

When to use this quote

  • dinner parties
  • negotiations
  • friendship gatherings
  • council meetings

Key Concepts

Greek philosophy social psychology symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does alcohol affect your willingness to share?
  • Can truth be achieved without wine?
A Different Perspective

The effect may be romanticized; not everyone becomes truthful under influence.

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