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About this quote

What does it mean?
Politics hides the fact that wiser perspectives exist beyond ordinary views.
In plain terms
Politics makes us forget wiser ideas exist.
What can you take from it?
Look beyond everyday politics for wisdom.

Where it applies

  • political engagement
  • seeking wisdom
  • critique

Putting it to work

  • seeking wisdom
  • questioning politics
  • broadening perspective

Questions to consider

  • Where do you find political wisdom?
  • What does politics hide?

Another view

It implies ordinary voters are blind to wisdom without proof.

More from Matthew Arnold

  1. The men of culture are the true apostles of equality.

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  2. The governing idea of Hellenism is spontaneity of consciousness; that of Hebraism, strictness of conscience.

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  3. The pursuit of perfection, then, is the pursuit of sweetness and light. He who works for sweetness and light, works to make reason and the will of God prevail.…

    Permalink to quote #111

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