Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker claims to understand the German philosopher better, suggesting that those misled by God are already fortunate.
In plain terms
I know the sage better than you, and being tricked by God is good.
What can you take from it?
Wisdom can be misunderstood.

Where it applies

  • debating philosophy
  • reading classics
  • critiquing leaders

Putting it to work

  • study texts deeply
  • question authoritative claims

Questions to consider

  • Who decides what is wise?
  • Is delusion ever beneficial?

Another view

It relies on ironic sarcasm that may confuse readers.

More from Arthur Hugh Clough

  1. And almost every one when age, Disease, or sorrows strike him, Inclines to think there is a God, Or something very like Him.

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. I sit at my table en grand seigneur, And when I have done, throw a crust to the poor; Not only the pleasure, one's self, of good living, But also the pleasure …

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. Go; say not in thy heart, And what then were it accomplished, Were the wild impulse allayed, what were the use or the good! Go, when the instinct is stilled, a…

    Permalink to quote #15

Related quotes

  1. Friar! What a strange name. I don't remember having created such a thing! (God speaking to the angel Gabriel)

    Jose RizalJose Rizal quote #15
  2. Si hubiera estado presente en la Creacion, habria dado algunas indicaciones utiles.

    Alfonso X of CastileAlfonso X of Castile quote #1
  3. Que sais-je?

    Michel de MontaigneMichel de Montaigne quote #1