Ryle, Gilbert

Philosopher British 1900 – 1976

Critiqued mind-body dualism and analyzed concepts.

375 quotes

"The nature of authority rests not on force but on acceptance and recognition by those subject to it."
Leadership
"Despair is not mere sadness but a loss of hope regarding one's future and possibilities."
Hope
"The concept of efficiency is often misapplied to domains where other values should take precedence."
Work
"Envy differs from jealousy in that it concerns what another possesses rather than what one fears to lose."
"The nature of play is that it involves engaging in activities for their own sake rather than external goals."
Life
"Perseverance is not mere stubborn persistence but intelligent pursuit of goals despite difficulties."
Perseverance
"The concept of justice requires both fairness in distribution and fairness in procedure."
Justice
"Understanding a language is not having definitions in one's head but knowing how to use words appropriately."
Education
"Loyalty is a disposition to support those to whom one has committed oneself, but not unconditionally."
Friendship
"The nature of shame is that it involves a concern with how one is perceived by others."
"Innovation requires not merely novelty but genuine improvement or understanding."
Creativity
"The concept of progress in science is not linear but involves corrections and reconceptualizations."
Science
"Cruelty is wrong not merely because it causes pain but because it expresses contempt for the victim."
Justice
"The nature of grief is complex and cannot be reduced to a single emotional state."
Death
"Tact is the ability to say what needs to be said in a way that respects the other person."
Kindness
"The concept of power is often confused with mere ability or force, though they are different matters."
Power
"Authenticity is a matter of genuine engagement with one's activities and relationships, not pretense."
Truth
"The nature of happiness is not a constant state but the successful exercise of one's capacities."
Happiness
"Tolerance is not indifference to differences but respect for those with whom one disagrees."
Peace
"The concept of imagination is often limited to visual imagery, but it includes all forms of thinking otherwise."
Creativity
"Sincerity involves not merely saying what one believes but saying it with genuine conviction."
Truth
"The nature of adventure is not mere danger but meaningful engagement with uncertainty and novelty."
Adventure
"Temperance is not abstinence but the right use and enjoyment of good things."
Strength
"The concept of dignity rests on the idea that persons should not be treated as mere means."
Justice
"Curiosity is a natural human disposition that can be educated and developed in productive directions."
Knowledge
"The nature of habit is that it becomes second nature only through long practice and repetition."
Change
"Gratitude is not mere politeness but recognition of genuine benefit received from another."
Gratitude
"The concept of community involves shared values and common purposes, not merely proximity."
Relationships
"Respect is earned through the demonstration of competence and integrity, not merely demanded."
Leadership
"The nature of progress in human affairs is ambiguous and context-dependent."
History