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'Time's noblest offspring is the last.' This line of…

“'Time's noblest offspring is the last.' This line of Bishop Berkeley's expresses the real cause of the belief in progress in the animal creation.” quote by Charles Lyell
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“'Time's noblest offspring is the last.' This line of Bishop Berkeley's expresses the real cause of the belief in progress in the animal creation.”

Charles Lyell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Berkeley’s line suggests that time’s ultimate product is the final stage of creation, implying a teleological view of progress.

In simple terms: Time’s greatest outcome is its end.

Key Takeaway

Consider the ultimate purpose of time.

Themes

philosophy progress teleology

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

philosophical historical

When to use this quote

  • long‑term planning
  • legacy building
  • scientific research

Key Concepts

metaphysics history

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “last” signify?
  • How does this view influence present actions?
A Different Perspective

Interpretations of “offspring” vary.

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