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About this quote

What does it mean?
Whitehead argues that the fundamental metaphysical principle involves synthesizing distinct elements into a new, unified entity.
In plain terms
Reality grows by combining separate parts into something new and whole.
What can you take from it?
Seek synthesis over isolation when understanding existence.

Where it applies

  • philosophical study
  • systems thinking
  • problem solving

Putting it to work

  • combine diverse ideas
  • look for connections
  • build holistic models

Questions to consider

  • How do you create unity from diversity?
  • Is novelty always better than preservation?

Another view

It oversimplifies the value of maintaining distinct elements.

More from Alfred North Whitehead

  1. Creativity is the universal of universals characterizing ultimate matter of fact. It is that ultimate principle by which the many, which are the universe disju…

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  2. The safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato.

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  3. The term many presupposes the term one, and the term one presupposes the term many.

    Permalink to quote #31

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