"I am willing to allow that smoking is a moral weakness, but on the other hand, we must beware of the man without weaknesses. He is not to be trusted. He is apt to be always sober and he cannot make a single mistake. His habits are likely to be regular, his existence more mechanical and his head always maintains its supremacy over his heart. Much as I like reasonable persons, I hate completely rational beings."

13 likes

Source: Lin Yutang (1937). “The Importance of Living”

About the author

Lin Yutang

Writer

Lin Yutang was a Chinese writer and philosopher known for his works that blend Eastern and Western thought, particularly in 'The Importance of Living'.

All quotes by Lin Yutang →

Same author

More quotes by Lin Yutang

See all →
Lin Yutang Writer

"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials."

Read quote
Lin Yutang Writer

"On the whole, the enjoyment of leisure is something which decidedly costs less than the enjoyment of luxury. All it requires is an artistic temperament which is bent on seeking a perfectly useless afternoon spent in a perfectly useless manner."

Read quote