"To a superior race of being the pretensions of mankind to extraordinary sanctity and virtue must seem... ridiculous"
- William Hazlitt
About this Quote
This quote by William Hazlitt suggests that if a superior race of beings were to observe humanity, they would likely discover our claims of amazing sanctity and virtue to be outrageous. This implies that our requirements of morality and righteousness are not as high as we believe they are. Hazlitt is most likely recommending that we need to take a step back and reevaluate our own requirements of morality and virtue, and make every effort to be better. He is also recommending that we ought to not be so fast to evaluate others, as we might not be as exceptional as we believe we are. Eventually, this quote works as a reminder that we should make every effort to be much better and more understanding of others, as we may not be as best as we believe we are.
"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man"
"Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that's all"
"Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind"