[Men] prefer the foolish belief and the passions of the earth [to the enlightenment of their souls]. They believe the absurd and shrink from the truth."" No, they do not. They are afraid, that is all. And they must remain on earth until they come to the way of leaving it."" And how do they leave? How is the ascent made? Must one learn virtue?" Here she laughs. "You have read too much, and learned too little. Virtue is a road, not a destination. Man cannot be virtuous. Understanding is the goal. When that is achieved, the soul can take wing. Iain Pears
About This Quote

The quote says that men prefer the foolish belief and the passions of the earth to the enlightenment of their souls. This shows that men are more prone to believe in superstition than in reason. This is because it is easier to believe in irrational beliefs than rational ones.

Source: The Dream Of Scipio

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