---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Too austere a philosophy makes few wise…"
description: "\"Too austere a philosophy makes few wise men; too rigorous politics, few good subjects; too hard a religion, few persons whose devotion is of long conti..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c5/charles-de-saint-evremond-4817_austere_too-austere-a-philosophy-makes-few-wise_971304.png"
---

#  Too austere a philosophy makes few wise men; too rigorous…

![“Too austere a philosophy makes few wise men; too rigorous politics, few good subjects; too hard a religion, few persons whose devotion is of long continuance.” quote by Charles De Saint-Evremond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c5/charles-de-saint-evremond-4817_austere_too-austere-a-philosophy-makes-few-wise_971304.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c5/charles-de-saint-evremond-4817_austere_too-austere-a-philosophy-makes-few-wise_971304.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c5/charles-de-saint-evremond-4817_austere_too-austere-a-philosophy-makes-few-wise_971304.png)

> “Too austere a philosophy makes few wise men; too rigorous politics, few good subjects; too hard a religion, few persons whose devotion is of long continuance.”

[Charles De Saint-Evremond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-saint-evremond/)

## About This Quote

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

Excessive austerity in philosophy, politics, or religion limits the number of wise thinkers, good citizens, and devoted followers.

**In simple terms:** Extreme strictness reduces participants.

Key Takeaway

Balance moderation across ideas and institutions.

Themes

philosophy politics religion balance society

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

- academic discourse
- government policy
- religious practice
- personal belief

Key Concepts

extremism human nature social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we encourage depth without exclusivity?
- What safeguards prevent rigidity?

A Different Perspective

Too strict approaches can stifle creativity and engagement.

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[Austere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/austere/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Wise men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise-men/)

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[Sally Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sally-phillips/)

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## More by Charles De Saint-Evremond

> [The censure of those who are opposed to us, is the highest commendation that can be given us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-saint-evremond/the-censure-of-those-who-are-opposed-to-us-is-the-highest/)

[Charles de Saint-Evremond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-saint-evremond/)

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[Charles de Saint-Evremond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-saint-evremond/)

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