"Nowadays most people die of a sort of creeping common sense, and discover when it is too late that the only things one never regrets are one's mistakes" (p. 44).
I think we all would agree that Lord Henry says some pretty remarkable things--remarkably clever but a bit on the shocking side. Which of his aphorisms has thus far struck you the most, either because it rings of truth to you or because you simply thing it's just so wrong?
Make sure you include the quote AND what you think of it...
http://chicagotheaterblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/dorian-187-lr.jpg
My favorite aphorism in the entire book would have to be "- It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors". I absolutely love this aphorism because it seems to literally 'ring truth', but once thought about, takes a while to process...it's really one of a kind! And plus--it sounds so wise....almost like something that would be in a quotation book.
ReplyDeleteChristine:
ReplyDeleteOops! I forgot to say that "icecreammmmm" is me!!
Sorry!
"I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect." (Page 42)
ReplyDeleteI personally found this akin to saying that we shouldn't use reason to justify anything. I realize what he is saying (using reason to undercut an argument is, while satisfying, very uncomfortable on the receiving end to say the least), but an argument made entirely of "brute reason" is used to justify most if not all of his ideals. Aside from being hypocritical, he is also undercutting the very foundation of logical deduction and argument. Without using a reasonable argument, one would by definition make almost no sense.
That is very true, David. I would venture to say that L.H. is just referring to people who pound reason relentless BUT I think it's more that L.H. likes to just twist ideas and confuse people with his paradoxes.
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