Character Quote by Mary Oliver
““Our hands, or minds, our feet hold more intelligence. With this I have no quarrel. But, what about virtue?””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Hands of the Mind, unknown source
Intelligence resides not only in the mind but also in bodily experience, yet virtue remains a separate concern.
In simple terms: Intelligence is in mind and body; virtue is distinct.
Key Takeaway
Recognize embodied knowledge while questioning moral assumptions.
Themes
embodiment
knowledge
virtue
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- education
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
embodied cognition
ethical inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- How does bodily awareness shape moral decisions?
- Can intelligence exist without virtue?
A Different Perspective
Virtue cannot be reduced to intelligence alone.
![“For her [Françoise], wealth was like a necessary condition without which virtue would lack both merit and charm. She made so little distinction between the two that she came to see their qualities as interchangeable, expecting material comfort from virtue and moral edification from wealth.” quote by Marcel Proust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/marcel-proust-114_character_for-her-fran-oise-wealth-was-like-a-nece_2687.jpg)
