To endeavor to work upon the vulgar with fine sense is like attempting to hew blocks with a razor.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote speaks to the futility of using sophisticated or refined methods of communication to persuade or influence those who lack the capacity to appreciate or understand them. It paints a vivid analogy likening the attempt to sway the masses with subtle and nuanced reasoning to the absurdity of trying to carve large blocks of material using a delicate tool like a razor.
Firstly, let's delve into the meaning of "vulgar" in this context. Here, it refers not necessarily to vulgarity in the sense of rudeness or coarseness, but rather to the general populace or those who lack refinement or sophistication in their understanding or appreciation of complex ideas. These are people who may not possess the education, experience, or inclination to grasp subtle nuances or abstract concepts easily.
The phrase "to work upon the vulgar" implies an attempt to influence or sway this broader, less discerning audience. This could be in the context of persuasion, education, or any form of communication aimed at reaching a wide audience.
Now, let's examine the imagery of "hewing blocks with a razor." Hewing is the process of shaping or cutting rough material into a desired form, often involving heavy, blunt tools like axes or hammers. The use of "blocks" suggests large, unwieldy masses of material, emphasizing the scale and difficulty of the task. On the other hand, a razor is an extremely sharp and delicate tool, designed for precision rather than brute force.
The comparison between attempting to hew blocks with a razor highlights the inherent mismatch between the method (the razor) and the task (hewing blocks). Just as a razor is ill-suited for the heavy-duty work of shaping large blocks, so too is fine sense (subtle, refined reasoning or communication) ill-suited for influencing the masses who may not appreciate or understand it.
In essence, the quote suggests that employing sophisticated or nuanced arguments with those who lack the capacity to comprehend them is futile and akin to an exercise in absurdity. It underscores the importance of understanding one's audience and tailoring communication strategies accordingly. Instead of attempting to use a razor to hew blocks, one should use tools that are better suited to the task at hand, adapting one's approach to effectively reach and connect with the intended audience.
Who said the quote?
The quote "To endeavor to work upon the vulgar with fine sense is like attempting to hew blocks with a razor." is often attributed to Alfred Adler (Bio / Quotes). Alfred Adler was an Austrian psychotherapist and founder of the school of individual psychology, which emphasizes the uniqueness and unity of the individual.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
