“to Hegel, history was like a running river. Every tiny movement in the water at a given spot in the river is determined by the falls and eddies in the water higher upstream. But these movements are determined, too, by the rocks and bends in the river at the point where you are observing it.the history of thought--or of reason--is like this river. The thoughts that are washed along with the current of past tradition, as well as the material conditions prevailing at the time, help to determine how you think. You can therefore never claim that any particular thought is correct for ever and ever. But the thought can be correct from where you stand”
Explore This Quote Further
Example of Usage
Jostein Gaarder beautifully illustrates the concept of history and thought as a flowing river in his book "Sophie's World". He explains how every tiny movement in the river is determined by various factors, much like how our thoughts are influenced by our past traditions and surrounding conditions. This analogy serves as a reminder that no thought can be deemed as universally correct, as it is all relative to our own perspectives and circumstances.
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Jostein Gaarder, the analogy of history to a running river is used to illustrate the idea that thoughts and beliefs are shaped by the context in which they occur. Just as the movement of water in a river is influenced by various factors such as falls, eddies, rocks, and bends, our thoughts are influenced by past traditions, material conditions, and current circumstances. Gaarder suggests that there is no absolute truth or correctness in our thoughts, as they are constantly evolving and influenced by our surroundings. However, he emphasizes that a particular thought can be considered correct or valid based on the perspective from which it is observed. This analogy highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of human thought and history.
Modern Relevance of Hegel's View of History
In this quote from Jostein Gaarder's book, Hegel's perspective on history as a dynamic and interconnected process is highlighted. This idea still holds modern relevance as it reminds us that our thoughts and beliefs are shaped by our past experiences, societal norms, and cultural context. It emphasizes the importance of considering different perspectives and being open to reevaluating our beliefs in light of new information and changing circumstances. Hegel's concept of history as a flowing river serves as a reminder that our understanding of truth and knowledge is constantly evolving and contextual.
Reflection Questions:
As we consider the analogy of history and thought being likened to a river, it prompts us to reflect on our own perspectives and beliefs. Here are some questions to ponder:
- How does the concept of history as a flowing river impact your understanding of the development of ideas over time?
- In what ways are your current thoughts and beliefs influenced by past traditions and societal norms?
- Can you think of a specific belief or perspective that has evolved or changed as a result of new insights or experiences?
- How does the idea that no thought is inherently correct for all time challenge your views on absolutes or universal truths?
- Reflecting on your own thought processes, how do you navigate the complexities of balancing tradition and innovation in your beliefs and ideas?
- In what ways can acknowledging the fluidity of thought and history lead to greater empathy and understanding of differing viewpoints?
Similar quotes
“The history of thought - or of reason - is like this river. The thoughts that are washed along with the current of past tradition, as well as the material conditions prevailing at the time, help to determine how you think. You can therefore never claim that any particular thought is correct for ever and ever. But the thought can be correct from where you stand.”
“History is one long chain of reflections. Hegel also indicated certain rules that apply for this chain of reflections. Anyone studying history in depth will observe that a thought is usually proposed on the basis of other, previously proposed thoughts. But as soon as one thought is proposed, it will be contradicted by another. A tension arises between these two opposite ways of thinking. But the tension is resolved by the proposal of a third thought which accommodates the best of both points of view. Hegel calls this a dialectic process”
“Hegel claimed that the 'world spirit' is developing toward an ever-expanding knowledge of itself. It's the same with rivers--they become broader and broader as they get nearer to the sea. According to Hegel, history is the story of the 'world spirit' gradually coming to consciousness of itself. Although the world has always existed, human culture and human development have made the world spirit increasingly conscious of its intrinsic value.”
“Hegel believed that the basis of human cognition changed from one generation to the next. There were therefore no 'eternal truths', no timeless reason. The only fixed point philosophy can hold on to is history itself.”
“What you did was to draw a conclusion from a descriptive sentence--That personwants to live too'--to what we call a normative sentence: 'Therefore you ought not to kill them.' From the point of view of reason this is nonsense. You might just as well say 'There are lots of people who cheat on their taxes, therefore I ought to cheat on my taxes too.' Hume said you can never draw conclusions from is sentences to ought sentences. Nevertheless it is exceedingly common, not least in newspaper articles, political party programs, and speeches.”
“Imagine that one day you are out for a walk in the woods. Suddenly you see a small spaceship on the path in front of you. A tiny Martian climbs out the spaceship and stands on the ground looking up at you…What would you think? Never mind, it’s not important. But have you ever given any thought to the fact that you are a Martian yourself?It is obviously unlikely that you will ever stumble upon a creature from another planet. We do not even know that there is life on other planets. But you might stumble upon yourself one day. You might suddenly stop short and see yourself in a completely new light. On just such a walk in the woods. I am an extraordinary being, you think. I am a mysterious creature.You feel as if you are waking from an enchanted slumber. Who am I? you ask. You know that you are stumbling around on a planet in the universe. But what is the universe?If you discover yourself in this manner you will have discovered something as mysterious as the Martian we just mentioned. You will not only have seen a being from outer space. You will feel deep down that you are yourself an extraordinary being.”