--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It was not man who implanted in himself…" description: "\"“It was not man who implanted in himself what is infinite and the love of what is immortal: those lofty instincts are not the offspring of his capricio..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/221/alexis-de-tocqueville-625_democracy_it-was-not-man-who-implanted-in-himself_383647.png" --- # It was not man who implanted in himself what is infinite… ![“It was not man who implanted in himself what is infinite and the love of what is immortal: those lofty instincts are not the offspring of his capricious will; their steadfast foundation is fixed in human nature, and they exist in spite of his efforts. He may cross and distort them – destroy them…” quote by Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/221/alexis-de-tocqueville-625_democracy_it-was-not-man-who-implanted-in-himself_383647.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/221/alexis-de-tocqueville-625_democracy_it-was-not-man-who-implanted-in-himself_383647.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/221/alexis-de-tocqueville-625_democracy_it-was-not-man-who-implanted-in-himself_383647.png) > ““It was not man who implanted in himself what is infinite and the love of what is immortal: those lofty instincts are not the offspring of his capricious will; their steadfast foundation is fixed in human nature, and they exist in spite of his efforts. He may cross and distort them – destroy them he cannot. The soul wants which must be satisfied; and whatever pains be taken to divert it from itself, it soon grows weary, restless, and disquieted amidst the enjoyments of sense.”” [Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexis-de-tocqueville/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human nature contains innate, immutable drives toward the infinite and the immortal, resistant to willful distortion. **In simple terms:** Innate drives toward the infinite resist willful change. Key Takeaway Recognize and nurture these deeper instincts. Themes human nature spirituality inner drive Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal growth - spiritual practice - artistic creation - ethical decision‑making Key Concepts philosophy psychology ethics Questions to Reflect On - What infinite drives shape your life? - How do you balance them with daily demands? A Different Perspective These instincts can be suppressed by external pressures, leading to unrest. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Eternity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eternity/) [Human nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-nature/) [Immortal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/immortal/) [Immortal Lofty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/immortal-lofty-3476220/) [Implanted Infinite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/implanted-infinite-3476219/) [Instincts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instincts/) [Lofty Instincts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lofty-instincts-3476218/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Satisfy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/satisfy/) ## Related quotes > [“Many a survivor of a plane crash who is or was against cannibalism and had never eaten human flesh once found themselves in a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/many-a-survivor-of-a-plane-crash-who-is-or-was-against-cannibalism/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) > [There is nothing in this world that can compare with the Christian fellowship; nothing that can satisfy but Christ.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-d-rockefeller/there-is-nothing-in-this-world-that-can-compare-with-the-christian/) [John D. 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