I am nothing but I must be everything.
Karl MarxRead
It's possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the idea that one can navigate mistakes through rational discussion and adaptability.
In this quote, Karl Marx acknowledges the possibility of making a mistake but suggests that through dialectic, or logical discussion, one can resolve misunderstandings and adapt. He also implies that his propositions are crafted to maintain validity regardless of the outcome, showcasing a philosophical approach to argumentation and reasoning.
Themes
DialecticMistakePhilosophyAdaptabilityReasoning
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about political theory, someone can quote this to highlight the importance of adaptability and dialogue.
More from Karl Marx
All quotes →Religion is the opiate of the people.
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It is absolutely impossible to transcend the laws of nature. What can change in historically different circumstances is only the form in which these laws expose themselves.
Karl MarxRead
Men make their own history, but they do not make it just as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted from the past. The tradition of all the dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the brain of the living.
Karl MarxRead
To be radical is to grasp things by the root.
Karl MarxRead
Men's ideas are the most direct emanations of their material state.
Karl MarxRead
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