Realists are, as a rule, only men in the rut of routine who are incapable of transcending a narrow circle of antiquated notions.
Theodor HerzlRead
I see the origin of the irresistible attraction of metaphor and analogy, the explanation of our strange and permanent need to find similarities in things. I can scarcely refrain from suspecting some ancient, diffused magnetism; a call from the center of things; a dim, almost lost memory, or perhaps a presentiment, pointless in so puny a being, of a universal syntax.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on our inherent desire to find connections and similarities in the world around us.
Roger Caillois discusses our deep-seated need for metaphor and analogy, suggesting that it points to a universal connection that underlies human experience. He evokes the idea that this need may stem from an ancient, perhaps instinctual understanding of the world, hinting at a 'universal syntax' that governs our perceptions and relationships.
Themes
MetaphorAnalogySimilaritiesConnectionUniversal
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on creativity, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of drawing connections in the arts.
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