Humanity Quote by Herman Hesse
““And alas! the look went still deeper, went far below the faults, defects and hopelessness of our time, our intellect, our culture alone. It went right to the heart of all humanity, it bespoke eloquently in a single second the whole despair of a thinker, of one who knew the full worth and meaning of man's life. It said: "See what monkeys we are! Look, such is man!" and at once all renown, all intelligence, all the attainments of the spirit, all progress towards the sublime, the great and the enduring in man fell away and became a monkey's trick!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Steppenwolf”, 1927
Human intellect can become detached, reducing us to primitive folly despite progress.
In simple terms: Intellect can blind us to humanity.
Key Takeaway
Stay grounded in humility.
Themes
philosophy
human nature
intellectualism
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic pursuits
- creative work
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What keeps you connected to humanity?
- How do you balance intellect and emotion?
A Different Perspective
Intellectual pride can inspire growth.
