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About this quote

What does it mean?
The basis of all knowledge and learning is the inexplicable.
In plain terms
Our understanding rests on things we cannot fully explain.
What can you take from it?
Accept mystery as part of learning.

Where it applies

  • scientific research
  • spiritual inquiry

Putting it to work

  • embrace unknowns
  • question assumptions

Questions to consider

  • How does acknowledging the inexplicable affect inquiry?
  • Can mystery be a catalyst for progress?

Another view

Many fields strive to explain the previously inexplicable.

More from Arthur Schopenhauer

  1. Was nun andrerseits die Menschen gesellig macht, ist ihre Unfahigkeit, die Einsamkeit und in dieser sich selbst zu ertragen.

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  2. Do not shorten the morning by getting up late, or waste it in unworthy occupations or in talk; look upon it as the quintessence of life, as to a certain extent…

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  3. Je weniger einer, in Folge objektiver oder subjektiver Bedingungen, notig hat, mit den Menschen in Beruhrung zu kommen, desto besser ist er daran.

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