Long Quote by James Thurber
“Man has gone long enough, or even too long, without being man enough to face the simple truth that the trouble with man is man.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, 1935
Points out that humanity often fails to confront its own flaws, creating self‑inflicted problems.
In simple terms: Man’s biggest problem is man himself.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge human flaws.
Themes
human nature
self‑critique
irony
Mood
critical
wry
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- politics
- environmental issues
- personal relationships
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
existentialism
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal flaws hinder you?
- How can societies address collective failings?
A Different Perspective
Self‑recognition can be uncomfortable.
![“Salvador [Dali] was brought up in Spain, a country colored by the legends of Hannibal, El Greco, and Cervantes. I was brought up in Ohio, a region steeped in the tradition of Coxey's Army, the Anti-Saloon League, and William Howard Taft.” quote by James Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6b/james-thurber-1534_army_salvador-dali-was-brought-up-in-spain-a_39625.jpg)
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
