This civilization is rapidly passing away, however. Let us rejoice or else lament the fact as much as everyone of us likes; but do not let us shut our eyes to it.
Joseph A. SchumpeterRead
It is however always important to remember that the ability to see things in their correct perspective may be, and often is, divorced from the ability to reason correctly and vice versa. That is why a man may be a very good theorist and yet talk absolute nonsense.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding perspective does not guarantee sound reasoning.
This quote highlights the distinction between perception and reasoning, suggesting that one can have a keen ability to perceive situations accurately while still lacking the capability to reason logically. This dichotomy emphasizes that individuals may excel in theoretical understanding yet still communicate ideas that are fundamentally flawed or nonsensical.
Themes
PerspectiveReasoningTheoryCommunicationUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about critical thinking skills, this quote could highlight the importance of separating perspective from reasoning.
More from Joseph A. Schumpeter
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We always plan too much and always think too little.
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The function of entrepreneurs is to reform or revolutionize the pattern of production by exploiting an invention or, more generally, an untried technological possibility for producing a new commodity or producing an old one in a new way, by opening up a new source of supply of materials or a new outlet for products, by reorganizing an industry and so on.
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Capitalism inevitably and by virtue of the very logic of its civilization creates, educates and subsidizes a vested interest in social unrest.
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Recognition of the inevitability of comprehensive bureaucratization does not solve the problems that arise out of it.
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