Five years Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald
““There are certain things which are human nature," he asserted with an owl-like look, "which always have been and always will be, which can't be changed." Amory looked from the small man to the big man helplessly. "Listen to that! That's what makes me discouraged with progress. Listen to that! I can name offhand over one hundred natural phenomena that have been changed by the will of man--a hundred instincts in man that have been wiped out or are now held in check by civilization. What this man here just said has been for thousands of years the last refuge of the associated mutton-heads of the world. It negates the efforts of every scientist, statesman, moralist, reformer, doctor, and philosopher that ever gave his life to humanity's service. It's a flat impeachment of all that's worth while in human nature. Every person over twenty-five years old who makes that statement in cold blood ought to be deprived of the franchise.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Great Gatsby, 1925
It argues that human nature is immutable, and attempts to change innate instincts are futile.
In simple terms: Human nature cannot be changed.
Key Takeaway
Accept innate traits, focus on influence.
Themes
human nature
change
determinism
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- policy making
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can societal structures reshape basic instincts?
- What aspects of human nature are truly fixed?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep instincts may be unrealistic.
