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I had given up magic, because it had reached a state of…

“I had given up magic, because it had reached a state of perfection. I felt that I was able to transform men into animals. I did not make use of this capability, because I believed I could not justify an intervention of this kind in the life of another person.” quote by Wolfgang Hildesheimer
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“I had given up magic, because it had reached a state of perfection. I felt that I was able to transform men into animals. I did not make use of this capability, because I believed I could not justify an intervention of this kind in the life of another person.”

Wolfgang Hildesheimer

About This Quote

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

The narrator abandons a powerful ability, believing it would be unethical to manipulate others without justification.

In simple terms: He stops using a perfect power because it feels morally wrong.

Key Takeaway

Consider ethical limits of your talents.

Themes

ethics power responsibility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • scientific research
  • political policy
  • medical interventions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy human agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it right to use a unique skill?
  • What responsibilities accompany extraordinary abilities?
A Different Perspective

Power can be misused even with good intentions.

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