Some paradox of our natures leads us, when once we have made our fellow men the objects of our enlightened interest, to go on to make them the objects of our pity, then of our wisdom, ultimately of our coercion.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Helping others often shifts to pity, then wisdom, then controlling them.
- In plain terms
- Enlightened interest in others can turn into control over time.
- What can you take from it?
- Benevolence can slide into coercion if unchecked.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does help become control?
- How do we check our own motives?
Another view
Not all acts of wisdom lead to coercion; intent matters.
More from Lionel Trilling
The poet is in command of his fantasy, while it is exactly the mark of the neurotic that he is possessed by his fantasy.
Permalink to quote #20 Our culture peculiarly honors the act of blaming, which it takes as the sign of virtue and intellect.
Permalink to quote #22 We are all ill; but even a universal sickness implies an idea of health.
Permalink to quote #19
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