Humans have strived since time immemorial to make society that values empathy and mutual goodwill. Since no man is an island, having a society which prioritises fostering strong relationships and safety net and high-trust culture has been the goal of mankind for centuries. However, despite our efforts to appeal to our better nature, sometimes societies fail us, as we fall victim to selfishness and solipsism.
Centuries ago, author Thomas Hardy lamented how cruelty and apathy are sadly an inalienable part of human nature, so it’s exists as an inevitable evil in societies and cannot really be defeated.
Thomas Hardy’s Words On Cruelty Being A Part Of Humanity
In his 1895 novel Jude The Obscure, one character Richard Phillotson reflects: “Cruelty is the law pervading all nature and society; and we can't get out of it if we would.”
Deeper Meaning Of The Quote
This is undoubtedly a pessimistic observation which reflects on how cruelty is interwoven into the very fabric of our society and existence. In the natural world, survival often depends on struggle, suffering, and destruction. Animals prey on one another, disasters strike without mercy, and weakness is rarely spared. Just like the natural world, man-made societies are also filled with inequality, cruelty and exploitation.
Relevance Of Hardy’s Words
Hardy’s words ring truer than ever. Society often fails its outcasts, the marginalised who are often made to feel less than human and are often victims of systemic oppression. This quote reflects Darwinian realities - natural selection operates on brutal competition, survival of the fittest, and indifferent suffering.
Who Was Thomas Hardy?
Hardy was one of England’s most infamous and popular novelists. Known for novels such as Tess Of The d'Urbervilles, Far From The Madding Crowd, Jude The Obscure, The Mayor Of Casterbridge etc, Hardy was one of the strongest critics of Victorian society, it’s faulty morals and the decline of the rural ecosystem. His characters are often known to become victims of their passions and despite their endeavours, not able to rise above their social status.
Throughout his life, Hardy often courted controversy and social backlash for his novels. For example, Tess Of The d'Urbervilles was met with fierce criticism for allegedly depicting a ‘fallen woman’ in a positive light. His last novel Jude The Obscure received even more public outrage as many of his critics claimed he was attacking the institution of marriage.
Hardy passed away on 11 January 1928. He was 87.
Centuries ago, author Thomas Hardy lamented how cruelty and apathy are sadly an inalienable part of human nature, so it’s exists as an inevitable evil in societies and cannot really be defeated.
Thomas Hardy’s Words On Cruelty Being A Part Of Humanity
In his 1895 novel Jude The Obscure, one character Richard Phillotson reflects: “Cruelty is the law pervading all nature and society; and we can't get out of it if we would.”Deeper Meaning Of The Quote
This is undoubtedly a pessimistic observation which reflects on how cruelty is interwoven into the very fabric of our society and existence. In the natural world, survival often depends on struggle, suffering, and destruction. Animals prey on one another, disasters strike without mercy, and weakness is rarely spared. Just like the natural world, man-made societies are also filled with inequality, cruelty and exploitation. Relevance Of Hardy’s Words
Hardy’s words ring truer than ever. Society often fails its outcasts, the marginalised who are often made to feel less than human and are often victims of systemic oppression. This quote reflects Darwinian realities - natural selection operates on brutal competition, survival of the fittest, and indifferent suffering. Who Was Thomas Hardy?
Hardy was one of England’s most infamous and popular novelists. Known for novels such as Tess Of The d'Urbervilles, Far From The Madding Crowd, Jude The Obscure, The Mayor Of Casterbridge etc, Hardy was one of the strongest critics of Victorian society, it’s faulty morals and the decline of the rural ecosystem. His characters are often known to become victims of their passions and despite their endeavours, not able to rise above their social status. Throughout his life, Hardy often courted controversy and social backlash for his novels. For example, Tess Of The d'Urbervilles was met with fierce criticism for allegedly depicting a ‘fallen woman’ in a positive light. His last novel Jude The Obscure received even more public outrage as many of his critics claimed he was attacking the institution of marriage.
Hardy passed away on 11 January 1928. He was 87.
