Advantage Quote by Colin Wilson
“Now individual consciousness, as typified in human beings, has great advantages and great disadvantages. Individuality means a narrowing, and narrowness can be useful. It is good for close-up work. We have invented the magnifying glass and the microscope to narrow our vision, because narrowness makes for precision. But narrowness also makes for a failure of purpose, for exhaustion of the will; for purpose depends upon a broad vision, a clear sight of one's objective.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Outsider by Colin Wilson, 1956
Individual consciousness offers both focus and limitation; narrow focus aids precision, but broad vision is needed for purpose and will.
In simple terms: Focus helps detail; broad view guides purpose.
Key Takeaway
Balance precision with purpose.
Themes
individuality
focus
purpose
will
vision
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- creative projects
- personal goal setting
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you expand your perspective without losing detail?
- When does specialization become a hindrance?
A Different Perspective
Narrow focus can lead to tunnel vision and neglect of larger goals.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
