Many things about our bodies would not seem to us so filthy and obscene if we did not have the idea of nobility in our heads.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ideas of nobility make natural bodily functions seem obscene.
- In plain terms
- Our concepts of dignity make bodies appear dirty.
- What can you take from it?
- Question why natural things feel shameful.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do ideas of filth come from?
Another view
Some bodily hygiene standards have practical health reasons.
More from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
Once we know our weaknesses they cease to do us any harm.
Permalink to quote #24 The journalists have constructed for themselves a little wooden chapel, which they also call the Temple of Fame, in which they put up and take down portraits a…
Permalink to quote #26 If people should ever start to do only what is necessary millions would die of hunger.
Permalink to quote #23
Related quotes
Your pimples are the Lord's way of chastising you.
Stephen KingStephen King quote #18 This Englishwoman is so refined She has no bosom and no behind.
Stevie SmithStevie Smith quote #1 Never again to wiggle your toes. What a hell of a thing, what a wonderful, beautiful thing, to wiggle your toes.
Dalton TrumboDalton Trumbo quote #1