Contrary Quote by Jeremy Collier
“Avoid all affectation and singularity. What is according to nature is best, and what is contrary to it is always distasteful. Nothing is graceful that is not our own.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: 1690s philosophical essay on aesthetics
He argues that natural harmony is best, while artificial contrivances are distasteful; true grace must be authentic.
In simple terms: Nature’s order is best; artificiality is off‑putting.
Key Takeaway
Seek authenticity.
Themes
philosophy
aesthetics
nature
authenticity
morality
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- art critique
- personal conduct
- design philosophy
Key Concepts
natural law
beauty standards
self‑expression
Questions to Reflect On
- When is artificiality beneficial?
- Can contrivance be beautiful?
A Different Perspective
The view may undervalue creative innovation.
![“[Science] dissipates errors born of ignorance about our true relations with nature, errors the more damaging in that the social order should rest only on those relations. TRUTH! JUSTICE! Those are the immutable laws. Let us banish the dangerous maxim that it is sometimes useful to depart from them…” quote by Pierre-Simon Laplace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f5e/pierre-simon-laplace-15849_born_science-dissipates-errors-born-of-ignora_1772550.jpg)
