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Brute Quote by Oscar Wilde

“How dreadful!" cried Lord Harry. "I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““How dreadful!" cried Lord Harry. "I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect.””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Play: The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895

He laments that rational arguments can be more painful than physical force, feeling they are unfair and intellectually oppressive.

In simple terms: Reason can feel harsh and unfair.

Key Takeaway

Balance reason with empathy.

Themes

reason emotion justice

Mood

thoughtful ironic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • legal arguments
  • personal conflicts
  • academic discourse

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we make rational discourse kinder?
  • When does reason become oppressive?
A Different Perspective

Reason alone may lack compassion.

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