Western man: loving the higher, doubting ourselves

James W. writes:

That Western Civilization contains the keys to moving beyond the limitations that all other civilizations have experienced is obvious through both the simplest comparisons or the most detailed. Here are some quotes from Classical writers showing distinctive qualities of the Western mind:

Socrates—Before the birth of love, many fearful things took place because of necessity, but then this god was born, all things rose to man.

Aristotle—It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Petrarch—Books have led some to learning and others to madness. Great errors seldom originate but with men of great minds.

Demosthenes—Nothing is easier than to deceive one’s self, as our affectations are subtle persuaders.

Cicero—By doubting, we come to truth.

Aesop—Gratitude is the sign of a noble soul.

Cicero—A thankful heart is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all others

Posted by Lawrence Auster at March 31, 2008 12:02 PM | Send