All historical writing, even the most honest, is unconsciously subjective, since every age is bound, in spite of itself, to make the dead perform whatever tricks it finds necessary for its own peace of mind.
Carl L. BeckerRead
The significance of man is that he is insignificant and is aware of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that human awareness of our own insignificance is what gives us meaning.
Carl L. Becker's quote conveys the idea that while humans may be insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe, it is our consciousness and awareness of this fact that adds significance to our existence. This awareness allows us to contemplate our place in the world, leading to deeper understanding and reflection about life and our roles within it.
Themes
InsignificanceAwarenessExistenceMeaningPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of existence, one might quote this to highlight the paradox of human self-awareness.
More from Carl L. Becker
All quotes βThe value of history is, indeed, not scientific but moral: by liberalizing the mind, by deepening the sympathies, by fortifying the will, it enables us to control, not society, but ourselves - a much more important thing; it prepares us to live more humanely in the present and to meet rather than to foretell the future.
Carl L. BeckerRead
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