For life is tendency, and the essence of a tendency is to develop in the form of a sheaf, creating, by its very growth, divergent directions among which its impetus is divided.
Henri BergsonRead
In reality, the past is preserved by itself automatically.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The past exists independently and is retained without effort.
Henri Bergson's quote suggests that the past is not merely a collection of memories, but rather, it exists as a fundamental aspect of our reality that continuously shapes our present and future. This concept implies that our experiences and histories endure on their own, influencing us automatically, without needing active remembrance or preservation on our part.
Themes
PastMemoryRealityPhilosophyTime
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical discussion about the nature of time and memory.
More from Henri Bergson
All quotes βTo exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.
Henri BergsonRead
Laughter is the corrective force which prevents us from becoming cranks.
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I believe that the time given to refutation in philosophy is usually time lost. Of the many attacks directed by many thinkers against each other, what now remains? Nothing, or assuredly very little. That which counts and endures is the modicum of positive truth which each contributes. The true statement is, of itself, able to displace the erroneous idea, and becomes, without our having taken the trouble of refuting anyone, the best of refutations.
Henri BergsonRead
Religion is to mysticism what popularization is to science
Henri BergsonRead
And I also see how this body influences external images: it gives back movement to them.
Henri BergsonRead
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