Change Quote by Huysmans Joris-Karl Huysmans
““I marvel at the placidity of the Utopian who imagines that man is perfectible. There is no denying that the human creature is born selfish, abusive, vile. Just look around you and see. Society cynical and ferocious, the humble heckled and pillaged by the rich traffickers in necessities. Everywhere the triumph of the mediocre and unscrupulous, everywhere the apotheosis of crooked politics and finance. And you think you can make any progress against a stream like that? No, man has never changed. His soul was corrupt in the days of Genesis and is not less rotten at present. Only the form of his sins varies. Progress is the hypocrisy which refines the vices.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: À Rebours (Against Nature), 1884
Human nature is inherently selfish and corrupt; progress is a façade masking deeper vices
In simple terms: Humanity is fundamentally flawed
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of societal reform
Themes
philosophy
human nature
corruption
progress
society
politics
Mood
skeptical
melancholic
critical
Type
analysis
reflection
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- social activism
- policy making
Key Concepts
existentialism
moral relativism
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is true progress possible?
- How do we address deep-rooted corruption?
A Different Perspective
Optimism may ignore systemic flaws
