To learn a new language is, therefore, always a sort of spiritual adventure; it is like a journey of discovery in which we find a new world.
Ernst CassirerRead
Man is always inclined to regard the small circle in which he lives as the center of the world and to make his particular, private life the standard of the universe and to make his particular, private life the standard of the universe. But he must give up this vain pretense, this petty provincial way of thinking and judging.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans often see their personal experiences as the most significant, but should strive for a broader perspective.
This quote by Ernst Cassirer highlights the tendency of individuals to view their immediate surroundings and personal lives as the most important aspects of existence. It warns against the narrow-mindedness of equating one's limited experiences to universal truths, encouraging a more expansive viewpoint that acknowledges the richness and diversity of human experience beyond one's own life.
Themes
PerspectiveUnderstandingLifeExperienceUniverse
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about empathy, one might quote this to illustrate the importance of understanding different life experiences.
More from Ernst Cassirer
All quotes →Knowledge of the name gives him who knows it mastery even over the being and will of the god.
Ernst CassirerRead
Similar quotes
Imperialism is a system of exploitation that occurs not only in the brutal form of those who come with guns to conquer territory. Imperialism often occurs in more subtle forms, a loan, food aid, blackmail . We are fighting this system that allows a handful of men on earth to rule all of humanity.
Thomas SankaraRead
A real subjection is born mechanically from a fictitious relation [...] He who is subjected to a field of visibility, and who knows it, assumes responsibility for the constraints of power; he makes them play spontaneously upon himself; he inscribed in himself the power relation in which he simultaneously plays both roles; he becomes the principle of his own subjection.
Michel FoucaultRead
Being alone makes us stronger. That’s the honest truth. But it’s cold comfort, since even if I wanted company no one will come near me anymore.
Roberto BolanoRead
What is this talked-of mystery of birth. But being mounted bareback on the earth?
Robert FrostRead
Dreaming of a tomorrow, which tomorrow, will be as distant then as 'tis today.
Lope De VegaRead
I am concerned for the security of our great Nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within.
Douglas MacarthurRead