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 βReligion 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.
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To be radical is to grasp things by the root.
Karl MarxRead
Men's ideas are the most direct emanations of their material state.
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Similar quotes
Jesus was not killed by atheism and anarchy. He was brought down by law and order allied with religion, which is always a deadly mix. Beware those who claim to know the mind of God and who are prepared to use force, if necessary, to make others conform. Beware those who cannot tell God's will from their own. Temple police are always a bad sign. When chaplains start wearing guns and hanging out at the sheriff's office, watch out. Someone is about to have no king but Caesar
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If we are endowed by our Creator with rights, then why shouldn't those be attainable by gays and lesbians?
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Intuitive versus analytical? That's a foolish choice. It's foolish, just like trying to choose between being realistic or idealistic. You need both in life.
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If I lose at play, I blaspheme; if my fellow loses, he blasphemes. So, God is always the loser.
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Surrendering to jargon is a sign of journalism's dismal lack of self-confidence in the optimized age of content-management systems.
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Man is born an asocial and antisocial being. The newborn child is a savage. Egoism is his nature. Only the experience of life and the teachings of his parents, his brothers, sisters, playmates, and later of other people FORCE HIM to acknowledge the advantages of social cooperation and accordingly to change his behavior.
Ludwig Von MisesRead