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Animal Quote by William Hazlitt

“Man is an intellectual animal, and therefore an everlasting contradiction to himself. His senses centre in himself, his ideas reach to the ends of the universe; so that he is torn in pieces between the two, without a possibility of its ever being otherwise.” quote by William Hazlitt
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“Man is an intellectual animal, and therefore an everlasting contradiction to himself. His senses centre in himself, his ideas reach to the ends of the universe; so that he is torn in pieces between the two, without a possibility of its ever being otherwise.”

William Hazlitt

About This Quote

Source Essay: "On the Pleasure of Hating" by William Hazlitt, 1819

Human nature is split between sensory self‑interest and boundless intellectual ambition, creating perpetual inner conflict.

In simple terms: Mind and senses clash, causing inner tension.

Key Takeaway

Accept the tension and seek balance.

Themes

philosophy human nature conflict

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • creative work
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

dualism self‑interest intellectual ambition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile personal desire with larger ideas?
  • Can tension be a source of growth?
A Different Perspective

Balancing may may limit creative freedom.

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