The true philosophical Act is annihilation of self (Selbsttodtung); this is the real beginning of all Philosophy; all requisites for being a Disciple of Philosophy point hither. This Act alone corresponds to all the conditions and characteristics of transcendental conduct.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True philosophy begins with eliminating the ego to achieve a higher state of transcendental conduct.
- In plain terms
- Philosophy starts by letting go of the self.
- What can you take from it?
- Letting go of self begins philosophy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What must you lose to find truth?
Another view
Eliminating the self is difficult and rare.
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As quoted by Edgar Allan Poe in 'A Tale of the Ragged Mountains' (1844), adapted from Fragments from German Prose Writers (1841) by Sarah Austin
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