"Wicked thoughts and worthless efforts gradually set their mark on the face, especially the eyes"
- Arthur Schopenhauer
About this Quote
In this quote, thinker Arthur Schopenhauer is recommending that unfavorable thoughts and actions can have a physical influence on an individual's look, particularly in their eyes. He uses the words "wicked" and "useless" to describe these ideas and efforts, implying that they are damaging and lacking in worth. By saying that they "slowly set their mark" on the face, Schopenhauer is highlighting the sluggish and perilous nature of these negative impacts. This quote acts as a reminder to be conscious of our ideas and actions, as they can not just affect our inner wellness but likewise manifest themselves outwardly.
"When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land"