“And not only the pride of intellect, but the stupidity of intellect. And, above all, the dishonesty, yes, the dishonesty of intellect. Yes, indeed, the dishonesty and trickery of intellect.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote by Leo Tolstoy, the author emphasizes the negative aspects of intellect, including pride, stupidity, and dishonesty. Tolstoy suggests that intelligence can sometimes lead to arrogance and deceit, highlighting the dangers of using one's intellect in a dishonest or manipulative manner. This quote serves as a reminder to approach intellectual pursuits with humility and integrity, rather than allowing pride and dishonesty to cloud one's judgment.
The Deception of Intellectual Dishonesty
In today's society, Leo Tolstoy's words on the deception of intellect ring true more than ever. With the rise of fake news and misinformation, it is crucial to be aware of the dishonesty and trickery that can often cloud our judgment. The pride of intellect can blind us to alternate perspectives, leading to a narrow-minded approach to complex issues. It is important to remain vigilant and question the sources of information we encounter in order to combat intellectual dishonesty.
Leo Tolstoy on the Intellectual Dishonesty
"And not only the pride of intellect, but the stupidity of intellect. And, above all, the dishonesty, yes, the dishonesty of intellect. Yes, indeed, the dishonesty and trickery of intellect." - Leo Tolstoy
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on Leo Tolstoy's quote, consider the following questions:
- In what ways have you seen pride and dishonesty play a role in intellectual pursuits?
- How can one guard against the trap of intellectual dishonesty in their own thinking?
- What might be the consequences of intellectual trickery in personal relationships or society as a whole?
Similar quotes
“But a man’s relationship to the world is determined not just by his intellect but by his feelings and by his who aggregate of spiritual forces. However much one implies or explains to a person that all that truly exists is no more than an idea, or that everything is made up of atoms, or that the essence of life is substance or will, or that heat, light, movement and electricity are only manifestations of one and the same energy; however much you explain this to a man—a being who feels, suffers, rejoices, fears and hopes—it will not explain his place in the universe.”
“The acquisition by dishonest means and cunning,' said Levin, feeling that he was incapable of clearly defining the borderline between honesty and dishonesty. 'Like the profits made by banks,' he went on. 'This is evil, I mean, the acquisition of enormous fortunes without work, as it used to be with the spirit monopolists. Only the form has changed. Le roi est mort, vive le roi! Hardly were the monopolies abolished before railways and banks appeared: just another way of making money without work.”
“He meditated on the use to which he should put all the energy of youth which comes to a man only once in life. Should he devote this power, which is not the strength of intellect or heart or education, but an urge which once spent can never return, the power given to a man once only to make himself, or even – so it seems to him at the time – the universe into anything he wishes: should he devote it to art, to science, to love, or to practical activities? True, there are people who never have this urge: at the outset of life they place their necks under the first yoke that offers itself, and soberly toil away in it to the end of their days.”
“Yes, there is something in me hateful, repulsive," thought Ljewin, as he came away from the Schtscherbazkijs', and walked in the direction of his brother's lodgings. "And I don't get on with other people. Pride, they say. No, I have no pride. If I had any pride, I should not have put myself in such a position".”
“He liked fishing and seemed to take pride in being able to like such a stupid occupation.”
“Yes: if only a hundredth of the efforts spent in curing diseases were spent in curing debauchery, disease would long ago have ceased to exist, whereas now all efforts are employed, not in extirpating debauchery, but in favoring it, by assuring the harmlessness of the consequences.”