Air Quote by Aldous Huxley
“A man may have strong humanitarian and democratic principles, but if he happens to have been brought up as a bath-taking, shirt-changing lover of fresh air, he will have to overcome certain physical repugnance before he can bring himself to put those principles into practice.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Paradox of Principles", 1934
Even with noble ideals, personal habits and physical aversions can block putting those ideals into action.
In simple terms: Habits can block ideals.
Key Takeaway
Identify and adjust personal habits that conflict with values.
Themes
principles
habits
conflict
humanity
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- ethical decision‑making
- daily routines
- leadership
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
behavioral change
Questions to Reflect On
- Which personal habits contradict your stated values?
- How can you gradually align behavior with principles?
A Different Perspective
Changing ingrained habits is difficult and may meet resistance.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)