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About this quote

What does it mean?
Society often fails to live up to its own ideals and pretenses. Reality contradicts what we claim to be.
In plain terms
The world does not match what it claims to be.
What can you take from it?
Look beyond surface claims to see reality.

Where it applies

  • social critique
  • philosophical reflection

Putting it to work

  • evaluating institutions
  • questioning status quo

Questions to consider

  • What does your community pretend to be?
  • Where do you see contradictions in public life?

Another view

It assumes all pretense is mockery rather than aspiration.

More from George Santayana

  1. England is the paradise of individuality, eccentricity, heresy, anomalies, hobbies, and humors.

    Permalink to quote #31
  2. There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. The Bible is literature, not dogma.

    Permalink to quote #30

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