Absurd Quote by Iain Pears
![“[Men] prefer the foolish belief and the passions of the earth [to the enlightenment of their souls]. They believe the absurd and shrink from the truth.No, they do not. They are afraid, that is all. And they must remain on earth until they come to the way of leaving it.And how do they leave? How is…” quote by Iain Pears](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5f8/iain-pears-9652_absurd_men-prefer-the-foolish-belief-and-the-pa_2814739.jpg)
“[Men] prefer the foolish belief and the passions of the earth [to the enlightenment of their souls]. They believe the absurd and shrink from the truth.No, they do not. They are afraid, that is all. And they must remain on earth until they come to the way of leaving it.And how do they leave? How is the ascent made? Must one learn virtue?Here she laughs. You have read too much, and learned too little. Virtue is a road, not a destination. Man cannot be virtuous. Understanding is the goal. When that is achieved, the soul can take wing.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Dream of Scipio, 2006
Humanity prefers earthly passions over spiritual enlightenment; virtue is a journey, not a destination, and understanding leads the soul to ascend.
In simple terms: People choose worldly desires; virtue is a path, understanding lifts the soul.
Key Takeaway
Seek understanding to transcend material concerns.
Themes
spirituality
virtue
knowledge
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- educational pursuits
- spiritual retreats
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
philosophy
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can you take toward deeper understanding?
- How do you balance earthly duties with spiritual growth?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on virtue may ignore practical needs.
