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About this quote

What does it mean?
Teleology is defined as theology where God is a future goal rather than a past cause.
In plain terms
Purpose is about direction not causes.
What can you take from it?
Focus on future purpose not past reasons.

Where it applies

  • philosophy discussions
  • theological debates

Putting it to work

  • define goals by future aims
  • rethink causality

Questions to consider

  • Does purpose require a divine source?
  • How does direction differ from cause?

Another view

This view may not apply to secular teleology.

More from Miguel de Unamuno

  1. And killing time is perhaps the essence of comedy, just as the essence of tragedy is killing eternity.

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  2. Let us go on committing suicide by working among our people, and let them dream life just as the lake dreams the sky.

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  3. Warmth, warmth, more warmth! for we are dying of cold and not of darkness. It is not the night that kills, but the frost.

    Permalink to quote #22

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