We shall be remembered in history as the most cruel, and therefore the most unwise, generation of men that ever yet troubled the earth: - the most cruel in proportion to their sensibility, - the most unwise in proportion to their science. No people, understanding pain, ever inflicted so much: no people, understanding facts, ever acted on them so little.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote warns that a generation that is both cruel and unwise, despite its knowledge, will be remembered negatively.
- In plain terms
- A cruel, unwise generation will be remembered badly.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware letting knowledge go unused.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What examples show knowledge used wisely?
- How can societies prevent cruelty?
Another view
It assumes a direct link between cruelty and lack of wisdom, which may not always hold.
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