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 by Joris‑Karl Huysmans, 1884
Human nature is fundamentally selfish and corrupt; societal progress merely masks deeper vices.
In simple terms: People are selfish; progress hides vice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront underlying corruption.
Themes
corruption
society
progress
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- activism
- journalism
- policy reform
- community organizing
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
political critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is true moral improvement possible?
- How can individuals act against systemic corruption?
A Different Perspective
Change may be superficial.
