Avoidable human misery is more often caused not so much by stupidity as by ignorance, particularly our ignorance about ourselves.

Summary

This quote suggests that much of the unnecessary suffering experienced by human beings is not primarily due to their lack of intelligence but instead rooted in their lack of self-awareness. It implies that many conflicts, mistakes, and unfortunate situations arise from a limited understanding of one's own nature, motivations, and behaviors. By being unaware of our own inner workings, we can unknowingly contribute to our own misery and the suffering of others. Therefore, the quote emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-knowledge in order to mitigate avoidable unhappiness.

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