Courses Quote by Aldous Huxley
“The inconveniences and horrors of the pox are perfectly well known to every one; but still the disease flourishes and spreads. Several million people were killed in a recent war and half the world ruined; but we all busily go on in courses that make another event of the same sort inevitable. Experientia docet? Experientia doesn't.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Human Condition, 1935
Humanity repeats destructive patterns despite knowledge, showing that experience alone doesn't prevent recurrence.
In simple terms: People repeat mistakes despite knowing them.
Key Takeaway
Learn from history, act differently.
Themes
history
human nature
repetition
war
Mood
cautious
somber
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education reform
- peace activism
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
collective amnesia
ethical failure
Questions to Reflect On
- What prevents societies from learning?
- How can we break cycles of violence?
A Different Perspective
Awareness without action is insufficient.
![“I thought, how would I feel if my son gave one of those [underprivileged] kids chicken pox? For him it's not a terrible thing. We have good insurance and easy access to health care. It's a different situation for another family. I didn't want to make the decision for them.” quote by Eula Biss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16f/eula-biss-12946_access_i-thought-how-would-i-feel-if-my-son-gav_754757.jpg)
![“Depressions are very cyclical, they happen once every five years. When I was on TV, yes I was effervescent, you can't fake it. It [depression] comes like the pox.” quote by Ruby Wax](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/715/ruby-wax-18576_depression_depressions-are-very-cyclical-they-happe_616519.jpg)
![“Bernie [Ecclestone] is the commercial rights holder so the more outgoing the champion is, the better. Of course. I also do think about our sport and want to make an effort - but in my own way. I am Nico [Rosberg] and not Lewis [Hamilton]!” quote by Bernie Ecclestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15c/bernie-ecclestone-8452_champion_bernie-ecclestone-is-the-commercial-righ_2948.jpg)
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
