--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If I had a device, it would be the true…" description: "\"If I had a device, it would be the true, the true only, leaving the beautiful and the good to settle matters afterwards as best they could.\" — Charles ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8cb/charles-augustin-sainte-beuve_beautiful_if-i-had-a-device-it-would-be-the-true-t_1488863.png" --- # If I had a device, it would be the true, the true only… ![“If I had a device, it would be the true, the true only, leaving the beautiful and the good to settle matters afterwards as best they could.” quote by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8cb/charles-augustin-sainte-beuve_beautiful_if-i-had-a-device-it-would-be-the-true-t_1488863.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8cb/charles-augustin-sainte-beuve_beautiful_if-i-had-a-device-it-would-be-the-true-t_1488863.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8cb/charles-augustin-sainte-beuve_beautiful_if-i-had-a-device-it-would-be-the-true-t_1488863.png) > “If I had a device, it would be the true, the true only, leaving the beautiful and the good to settle matters afterwards as best they could.” [Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-augustin-sainte-beuve/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A perfect device would embody truth alone, leaving beauty and goodness to resolve themselves as best they can. **In simple terms:** Truth alone is the ideal; beauty and good follow. Key Takeaway Seek truth first, let aesthetics and morality emerge later. Themes truth beauty goodness philosophy instrumentalism Mood analytical inquisitive critical Type philosophical theoretical When to use this quote - scientific research - art creation - ethical decision making - personal reflection Key Concepts idealism epistemology aesthetic theory Questions to Reflect On - What role should beauty play in a truth‑driven world? - Can goodness exist without truth? A Different Perspective Truth alone may be insufficient for guiding actions; beauty and good can be essential guides. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Beautiful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beautiful/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [Don't settle, as with all matters of the heart you'll know when you find it](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-jobs/don-t-settle-as-with-all-matters-of-the-heart-you-ll-know-when-you/) [Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-jobs/) > [“Rarely are there big heroic choices that will settle matters once and for all. The smallest positive step is probably the right one. Try…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-vonnegut/rarely-are-there-big-heroic-choices-that-will-settle-matters-once-and/) [Mark Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-vonnegut/) > [“All that matters is that you be the very best you you can be... 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