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The consciousness of a general idea has a certain "unity…

“The consciousness of a general idea has a certain "unity of the ego" in it, which is identical when it passes from one mind to another. It is, therefore, quite analogous to a person, and indeed, a person is only a particular kind of general idea.” quote by Charles Sanders Peirce
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“The consciousness of a general idea has a certain "unity of the ego" in it, which is identical when it passes from one mind to another. It is, therefore, quite analogous to a person, and indeed, a person is only a particular kind of general idea.”

Charles Sanders Peirce

About This Quote

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

General ideas possess a shared unity that transfers between minds, making them analogous to persons and forming the basis of shared thought.

In simple terms: Ideas share a unity that moves between minds.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the communal nature of ideas.

Themes

philosophy mind communication

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

theoretical intellectual

When to use this quote

  • education
  • collaborative work
  • intellectual discourse
  • creative brainstorming

Key Concepts

semiotics collective consciousness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do ideas retain unity?
  • What role does language play in this transfer?
A Different Perspective

Ideas can be misinterpreted across minds.

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