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Bits Quote by Fernando Pessoa

“There's no greater tragedy than an equal intensity, in the same soul or the same man, of the intellectual sentiment and the moral sentiment. For a man to be utterly and absolutely moral, he has to be a bit stupid. For a man to be absolutely intellectual, he has to be a bit immoral.” quote by Fernando Pessoa
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“There's no greater tragedy than an equal intensity, in the same soul or the same man, of the intellectual sentiment and the moral sentiment. For a man to be utterly and absolutely moral, he has to be a bit stupid. For a man to be absolutely intellectual, he has to be a bit immoral.”

Fernando Pessoa

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Book of Disquiet, 1913

Intellectual and moral extremes cannot fully coexist; extreme intellect may lack morality, extreme morality may lack intellect.

In simple terms: Being too smart or too moral creates imbalance.

Key Takeaway

Seek balance between mind and heart.

Themes

philosophy ethics psychology

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • leadership
  • decision making

Key Concepts

dualism human nature intellectualism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can one be both deeply moral and highly intellectual?
  • What compromises arise when balancing these traits?
A Different Perspective

Pure intellect can become detached from empathy.

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