A man as he ought to be: that sounds to us as insipid as 'a tree as it ought to be.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The idea of a man 'as he ought to be' is as bland as a tree simply being a tree.
- In plain terms
- Prescriptive ideals are dull and lifeless.
- What can you take from it?
- Fixed ideals strip away vitality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we balance guidance with authenticity?
- When can ideals be inspiring rather than dull?
Another view
Some standards can provide useful guidance and shared values.
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