The light dove, cleaving the air in her free flight, and feeling its resistance, might imagine that its flight would be still easier in empty space. (B 8)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Our perception of resistance shapes our understanding of freedom; without obstacles, we might underestimate the conditions that enable our actions.
- In plain terms
- Resistance helps us understand how flight works.
- What can you take from it?
- Obstacles define the reality of our freedom.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What obstacles make your freedom possible?
Another view
The metaphor assumes physical laws apply to abstract freedom.
More from Immanuel Kant
There can be no doubt that all our knowledge begins with experience. (B 1)
Permalink to quote #22 Thoughts without intuitions are empty, intuitions without concepts are blind. (B 75)
Permalink to quote #24 Criticism alone can sever the root of materialism, fatalism, atheism, free-thinking, fanaticism, and superstition, which can be injurious universally; as well …
Permalink to quote #21
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