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.
The soul, who is lifted by a very great and yearning desire for the honor of God and the salvation of souls, begins by exercising herself, for a certain space of time, in the ordinary virtues, remaining in the cell of self-knowledge, in order to know better the goodness of God towards her.
A God capable of continuously monitoring and controlling the individual status of every particle in the universe cannot be simple. His existence is going to need a mammoth explanation in its own right.
Tradition does not mean a dead town; it does not mean that the living are dead but that the dead are alive. It means that it still matters what Penn did two hundred years ago or what Franklin did a hundred years ago; I never could feel in New York that it mattered what anybody did an hour ago.
Life is not a check-list of acquisition or achievement.
It's a cruel season that makes you get ready for bed while it's light out.
But a stranger in a strange land, he is no one. Men know him not, and to know not is to care not for.
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