Man was born to live with his fellow human beings. Separate him, isolate him, his character will go bad, a thousand ridiculous affects will invade his heart, extravagant thoughts will germinate in his brain, like thorns in an uncultivated land.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humans need social connection; isolation leads to negative character traits and strange thoughts.
- In plain terms
- Isolation makes people develop bad habits and thoughts.
- What can you take from it?
- Maintain social ties to preserve mental and moral health.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does isolation affect you?
- What happens when we disconnect?
Another view
Some people thrive better with solitude than others.
More from Denis Diderot
It has been said that love robs those who have it of their wit, and gives it to those who have none.
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Permalink to quote #12 L'esprit de l'escalier
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