Amount Quote by Leo Strauss
“The facile delusions which conceal from us our true situation all amount to this: that we are, or can be, wiser than the wisest men of the past. We are thus induced to play the part, not of attentive and docile listeners, but of impresarios and lion-tamers.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Natural Right and History, 1950
We overestimate our own wisdom compared to past great minds, leading us to act arrogantly rather than listen.
In simple terms: We think we’re smarter than the past, so we act boldly instead of listening.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility and listen more.
Themes
hubris
history
humility
Mood
reflective
critical
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic debates
- political leadership
- personal decision‑making
- media commentary
Key Concepts
philosophy
self‑deception
intellectual arrogance
Questions to Reflect On
- How often do you assume you know better than past experts?
- What can listening teach you that arrogance cannot?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can blind us to valuable lessons from history.
![“The emancipation of the scholars and scientists from philosophy is according to [Nietzsche] only a part of the democratic movement, i.e. of the emancipation of the low from subordination to the high. ... The plebeian character of the contemporary scholar or scientist is due to the fact that he has…” quote by Leo Strauss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76a/leo-strauss-12446_character_the-emancipation-of-the-scholars-and-sci_389563.jpg)
