Quotation by

Georg C. Lichtenberg

The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism.

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Lichtenberg suggests that the ancient Greeks had a deep understanding of how people think and behave, which we struggle to achieve today. He implies that to reach their level of insight, modern society might first have to go through a period of decline or chaos, referred to as a "new barbarism."

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And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

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And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.