"Out of timber so crooked as that from which a man is made nothing entirely straight can be carved." -Immanuel Kent
Thank you so much for your help.
2007-02-13 11:44:17 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
That human beings have natural (character) defects, and to expect perfection from a person is unreasonable, since what you are starting with is imperfect.
Thank you, come again!
2007-02-13 11:47:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't do very well in philosophy in university, but I think you can interpret that quote in a couple of ways, depending on Kent's ideologies:
-- No man is ever completely without selfish or evil motives, thoughts, or actions. It is in his nature to possess a darker side; he cannot help it.
-- Man is inherently complicated, and never straightforward or open.
Just my random guesses. Good luck figuring it out!
2007-02-13 19:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by jeffs_wife_ali _&_adams_mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great quote! it means that each of us is shaped individually by the different influences in our lives, and for that reason, we do not all conform to the same measure. Thus, our beliefs, our actions, our idiosyncracies shape who we are and each of these makes us somewhat unpredictable - unlike a piece of timber which has a straight grain.
2007-02-13 19:48:10 · answer #3 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A similar sentiment from the novel "All the Kings Men" by Robert Penn Warren. "Man is conceived in sin and born in corruption and passes from the stink of the didie to the stench of the shroud. There is always something." (Speaking of digging up something discreditable about a political opponent.)
2007-02-14 07:36:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
seems to be something about human nature emphasizing nature over nurture. that man in inherently bad (crooked) and we can never be fully good (straightened). im not sure though but thats my best guess its hard to explain things so out of context.
also its immanual kant. 18th century continental philosopher.
2007-02-15 05:50:38 · answer #5 · answered by mattman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot expect a person to be perfect because by our very nature we are flawed.
2007-02-13 19:52:07 · answer #6 · answered by CJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are born bad, and no amount of effort can completely overcome their rotten core. (I personally don't believe that)
2007-02-13 19:48:31 · answer #7 · answered by Mary K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Man isn't perfect.
2007-02-13 19:48:03 · answer #8 · answered by JEHLERS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋