"But reason always cuts a poor figure beside sentiment; the one being essentially restricted, like everything that is positive, while the other is infinite"
- Honore de Balzac
About this Quote
In this quote, Honore de Balzac is highlighting the contrast in between factor and belief. He recommends that reason is minimal and confined, while sentiment is boundless and limitless. According to Balzac, reason is like a poor figure compared to belief, which is represented as a more powerful and all-encompassing force. He implies that reason is limited by its very nature, as it is based on facts and logic, while belief is devoid of such restrictions. Balzac's words suggest that belief is a more desirable quality, as it permits a much deeper and more extensive understanding of the world, beyond the limitations of factor.
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
