Attainment Quote by James Russell Lowell
“It is only the intellect that can be thoroughly and hideously wicked. It can forget everything in the attainment of its ends. The heart recoils; in its retired some drops of childhood's dew still linger, defying manhood's fiery noon.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Vision of the Past," 1845
Intellect can become morally corrupt when it pursues goals without compassion, while remnants of innocence linger.
In simple terms: Intellect can be wicked.
Key Takeaway
Balance mind with heart.
Themes
morality
intellect
innocence
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political strategy
- scientific research
- business decisions
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What costs arise when intellect dominates?
- How can childhood innocence guide adult choices?
A Different Perspective
Rationalism alone may ignore empathy.
![“[B]ut in literature, it should be remembered, a thing always becomes his at last who says it best, and thus makes it his own.” quote by James Russell Lowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fa/james-russell-lowell-561_books_b-ut-in-literature-it-should-be-remember_55085.jpg)
