Born Quote by Quintilian
“For it would have been better that man should have been born dumb, nay, void of all reason, rather than that he should employ the gifts of Providence to the destruction of his neighbor.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Institutio Oratoria, Book 12, 95 AD
It is better for a person to be unintelligent than to use intellect to harm neighbors.
In simple terms: Being dumb is preferable to using reason for harm.
Key Takeaway
Choose wisdom over malicious intellect.
Themes
ethics
intellect
harm
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political decisionmaking
- business ethics
- personal relationships
- education
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we channel intellect positively?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Intelligence can be used for good; not inherently bad.
