At this point in history when all things which concern man and the structure and elements of history itself are suddenly revealed to us in a new light, it behooves us in our scientific thinking to become masters of the situation, for it is not inconceivable that sooner than we suspect, as has often been the case before in history, this vision may disappear, the opportunity may be lost, and the world will once again present a static, uniform, and inflexible countenance.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of seizing current opportunities in understanding human history and society, lest we fall back into a stagnant state.
In this quote, Karl Mannheim urges us to recognize the fleeting nature of insights gained about humanity and history. He suggests that our current understanding is a remarkable opportunity that requires active engagement and mastery, warning that if we fail to act, we risk returning to a static and unchanging perspective that has characterized previous eras.
In practice
This quote would be great to inspire students during a history lesson about societal changes.
As long as one does not call his own position into question but regards it as absolute, while interpreting his opponents' ideas as a mere function of the social positions they occupy, the decisive step forward has not yet been taken.
[W]hen the empirical investigator glories in his refusal to go beyond the specialized observation dictated by the traditions of his discipline, be they ever so inclusive, he is making a virtue out of a defense mechanism which insures him against questioning his presuppositions.
For in every adult there dwells the child that was, and in every child there lies the adult that will be.
The real 'action' in the liturgy in which we are all supposed to participate is the action of God himself. This is what is new and distinctive about the Christian liturgy: God himself acts and does what is essential.
Whenever you see a board up with "Trespassers will be prosecuted," trespass at once.
I had four hundred thousand pages of continental philosophy and lit theory in my head. And by God, I was going to use it to prove to him that I was smarter than he was.
I am not my childhood,' Snowman says out loud.
It is fashionable to wax apocalyptic about the threat to humanity posed by the AIDS virus, "mad cow" disease, and many others, but I think a case can be made that faith is one of the world's great evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.