Human reason has this peculiar fate that in one species of its knowledge it is burdened by questions which, as prescribed by the very nature of reason itself, it is not able to ignore, but which, as transcending all its powers, it is also not able to answer. (Preface, A vii)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Reason inevitably raises questions it cannot answer, exposing its own limits.
- In plain terms
- Reason meets questions beyond its power.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept that some problems remain unsolvable by reason alone.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What are the boundaries of rational inquiry?
- How should we handle unanswerable questions?
Another view
Claiming limits can discourage further investigation.
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