We have no organ at all for knowledge, for truth: we know…
“We have no organ at all for knowledge, for truth: we know (or believe or imagine) precisely as much as may be useful in the interest of the human herd, the species: and even what is here called usefulness is in the end only a belief, something imagined and perhaps precisely that most fatal piece of stupidity by which we shall one day perish.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human knowledge is limited to what serves societal needs, and even “usefulness” is a belief that may lead to our downfall.
In simple terms: We only learn what benefits the group, and that can be dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about usefulness.
Themes
knowledge
society
danger
truth
stupidity
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- education reform
- policy making
- media analysis
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
epistemology
social constructivism
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do we accept as useful without scrutiny?
- How can we protect truth from societal bias?
A Different Perspective
Useful knowledge can be manipulated to justify harmful actions.