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Lost Quote by Simone de Beauvoir

“The day knowledge was preferred to wisdom and mere usefulness to beauty. . . . Only a moral revolution -- not a social or a political revolution -- only a moral revolution would lead man back to his lost truth.” quote by Simone de Beauvoir
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“The day knowledge was preferred to wisdom and mere usefulness to beauty. . . . Only a moral revolution -- not a social or a political revolution -- only a moral revolution would lead man back to his lost truth.”

Simone de Beauvoir

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Ethics of Ambiguity” (1947)

Prioritizing knowledge over wisdom and utility over beauty leads to moral decay; only a moral revolution can restore humanity’s lost truth.

In simple terms: Choosing facts over values harms humanity; moral change is needed.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate wisdom and beauty over mere knowledge.

Themes

ethics philosophy humanism

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • artistic appreciation
  • community service

Key Concepts

morality beauty knowledge vs wisdom

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “lost truth” mean to you?
  • How can moral values be integrated into daily life?
A Different Perspective

Moral revolutions are hard to achieve without concrete plans.

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