“Point me out the happy man and I will point you out either extreme egotism, selfishness, evil -- or else an absolute ignorance.”

The quote "Point me out the happy man and I will point you out either extreme egotism, selfishness, …" is famous quote by Graham Greene (1904–1991), English writer, playwright and literary critic.

Source: The Heart of the Matter

Last update April 18, 2023. History

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Graham Greene photo
Graham Greene 164
English writer, playwright and literary critic 1904–1991

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(zh-TW) 微乎微乎,至於無形;神乎神乎,至於無聲;故能為敵之司命。
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General sources

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“Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness.”

Alternative translation: Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus he is master of his enemy's fate.
Alternative translation: O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.
The Art of War, Chapter VI · Weaknesses and Strengths
Context: Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate.

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