Desire Quote by The Crooked Timber of Humanity Isaiah Berlin
““Yet man is born to love. He is compassionate, just and good. He sheds tears for others and such tears give him pleasure. He invents stories to make him weep. Whence then this furious desire for wars and slaughter? Why does man plunge into the abyss, embracing with passion that which inspires him with such loathing? Why do men who revolt over such trivial issues as attempts to change the calendar allow themselves to be sent like obedient animals to kill and be killed?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Crooked Timber of Humanity (1990)
Human nature is inherently loving yet capable of violent contradictions, prompting philosophical inquiry into war and morality.
In simple terms: Humans love but also pursue war, creating paradoxes.
Key Takeaway
Question the roots of human aggression.
Themes
human nature
war
morality
philosophy
contradiction
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
human nature:1
war:1
morality:1
political philosophy:1
Born Love:0
Man Born:0
Abyss Embracing:0
Inspires Loathing:0
When to use this quote
- debates on war
- ethical education
- peace activism
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
ethical dualism
psychology of violence
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do compassionate beings seek war?
- Can love coexist with aggression?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplifies complex causes of conflict.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
