We often have need of a profound philosophy to restore to our feelings their original state of innocence, to find our way out of the rubble of things alien to us, to begin to feel for ourselves and to speak ourselves, and I might almost say to exist ourselves. Even if my philosophy does not extend to discovering anything new, it does nevertheless possess the courage to regard as questionable what has long been thought true.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Philosophy helps restore innocent feelings and the courage to question established truths.
- In plain terms
- We need philosophy to feel innocent again and to question things we thought were true.
- What can you take from it?
- Philosophy is a tool for mental liberation and questioning norms.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What truths should we question?
- How can you feel more authentic?
Another view
Philosophy does not always lead to a return to innocence.
More from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
If an angel were ever to tell us anything of his philosophy I believe many propositions would sound like 2 times 2 equals 13.
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