Physicians think they do a lot for a patient when they give his disease a name.
Immanuel KantRead
One cannot avoid a certain feeling of disgust, when one observes the actions of man displayed on the great stage of the world. Wisdom is manifested by individuals here and there; but the web of human history as a whole appears to be woven from folly and childish vanity, often, too, from puerile wickedness and love of destruction: with the result that at the end one is puzzled to know what idea to form of our species which prides itself so much on its advantages.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the contradictions of humanity, highlighting how wisdom exists but is overshadowed by folly and destructiveness.
In this quote, Immanuel Kant contemplates the nature of humanity by contrasting the instances of wisdom against the prevailing foolishness and destructive tendencies he observes throughout history. He expresses a sense of disillusionment regarding the human condition, as despite claiming superiority and intelligence, humanity often acts in ways that are foolish and self-destructive, leaving him questioning the essence of our species.
Themes
HumanityWisdomFollyDestructionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the moral responsibilities of individuals in society.
More from Immanuel Kant
All quotes →The inscrutable wisdom through which we exist is not less worthy of veneration in respect to what it denies us than in respect to what it has granted.
Immanuel KantRead
I shall never forget my mother, for it was she who planted and nurtured the first seeds of good within me. She opened my heart to the lasting impressions of nature; she awakened my understanding and extended my horizon and her percepts exerted an everlasting influence upon the course of my life.
Immanuel KantRead
. . . as to moral feeling, this supposed special sense, the appeal to it is indeed superficial when those who cannot think believe that feeling will help them out, even in what concerns general laws: and besides, feelings which naturally differ infinitely in degree cannot furnish a uniform standard of good and evil, nor has any one a right to form judgments for others by his own feelings. . . .
Immanuel KantRead
Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing admiration and awe, the oftener and more steadily we reflect on them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.
Immanuel KantRead
Our knowledge springs from two fundamental sources of the mind; the first is the capacity of receiving representations (receptivity for impressions), the second is the power of knowing an object through these representations (spontaneity [in the production] of concepts).
Immanuel KantRead
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