'The most futile thing in this world is any attempt, perhaps, at exact definition of character. All individuals are a bundle of contradictions - none more so than the most capable.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Character cannot be precisely defined because everyone contains contradictions, especially the capable.
- In plain terms
- People are contradictory; even smart ones are.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept that people are complex and inconsistent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who is consistent?
- How do you define character?
Another view
It might excuse poor behavior by blaming contradiction.
More from Theodore Dreiser
'The greater a man's talents, the greater his power to lead astray.'
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