“Now what is history? It is the centuries of systematic explorations of the riddle of death, with a view to overcoming death. That’s why people discover mathematical infinity and electromagnetic waves, that’s why they write symphonies..”
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Jon Krakauer on History
"Now what is history? It is the centuries of systematic explorations of the riddle of death, with a view to overcoming death. That’s why people discover mathematical infinity and electromagnetic waves, that’s why they write symphonies.." - Jon Krakauer
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Jon Krakauer, the author reflects on the essence of history as the ongoing quest to unravel the mystery of mortality. The exploration of various fields, from mathematics to music, is driven by the inherent human desire to transcend death. This quote emphasizes the significance of history in shaping our understanding of the world and our relentless pursuit of immortality through knowledge and creativity.
The Quest for Immortality
In his quote, Jon Krakauer highlights the underlying motivation behind much of human achievement throughout history: the desire to overcome death. This notion of pushing boundaries and striving for immortality can be seen in modern advancements in technology, medicine, and scientific research. The pursuit of overcoming death continues to drive innovation and progress in society today.
Reflection Questions:
As Jon Krakauer's quote suggests, history is not just a record of events but a reflection of humanity's quest to understand and ultimately conquer mortality. This profound insight begs us to contemplate the true purpose and significance of the study of history. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
- How has the human desire to overcome death influenced our advancements in various fields such as science, art, and music?
- In what ways does history serve as a reminder of our mortality and the impermanence of life?
- Do you believe that the exploration of the "riddle of death" is a driving force behind human progress and innovation?
- How does studying history help us confront our own mortality and contemplate the legacy we leave behind?
- Reflect on a historical event or figure that exemplifies Krakauer's idea of history as a pursuit to overcome death.
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“Now what is history? It is the centuries of systematic explorations of the riddle of death, with a view to overcoming death. That's why people discover mathematical infinity and electromagnetic waves, that's why they write symphonies. Now, you can't advance in this direction without a certain faith. You can't make such discoveries without spiritual equipment. And the basic elements of this equipment are in the Gospels. What are they? To begin with, love of one's neighbor, which is the supreme form of vital energy. Once it fills the heart of man it has to overflow and spend itself. And then the two basic ideals of modern man—without them he is unthinkable—the idea of free personality and the idea of life as sacrifice.”
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