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About this quote

What does it mean?
Logic produces results while metaphysics reflects on them.
In plain terms
Logic does work; metaphysics thinks about it.
What can you take from it?
Practical logic differs from abstract thought.

Where it applies

  • academic study
  • problem solving
  • theoretical work

Putting it to work

  • balance action with reflection
  • distinguish practical from abstract

Questions to consider

  • Is reflection useless without action?
  • Where does logic end and metaphysics begin?

Another view

Metaphysics can lead to practical insights indirectly.

More from Joseph Joubert

  1. Life is a country that the old have seen, and lived in. Those who have to travel through it can only learn from them.

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  2. Love and fear. Everything the father of a family says must inspire one or the other.

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  3. Liberty! Liberty! In all things let us have justice, and then we shall have enough liberty.

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