The good must be clearly good but not wholly clear. If it…
““The good must be clearly good but not wholly clear. If it is wholly clear it is too easy to reject. What is wanted is an oversimplification, a reduction of a multitude of possibilities to only two. But if the recommended path were utterly devoid of mystery, it would cease to fascinate men….There would be nothing left to discuss and interpret, to lecture and write about, to admire and merely think about. The world exacts a price for calling teachers wise: it keeps discussing the paths they recommend, but few men follow them. The wise give men endless opportunities to discuss what is good.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Clarity can make ideas too easy to dismiss; mystery keeps engagement and discussion alive.
In simple terms: Too much clarity kills interest.
Key Takeaway
Embrace complexity.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
communication
education
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- public discourse
- policy making
- creative writing
Key Concepts
oversimplification
mystery
critical thinking
interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- Does simplifying ideas always help understanding?
- How can we balance clarity with intrigue?