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Is it astonishing that, like children trying to catch…

“Is it astonishing that, like children trying to catch smoke by closing their hands, philosophers so often see the object they would grasp fly before them?” quote by Henri Bergson
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“Is it astonishing that, like children trying to catch smoke by closing their hands, philosophers so often see the object they would grasp fly before them?”

Henri Bergson

About This Quote

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

Philosophers often chase ideas that slip away, much like children trying to catch smoke.

In simple terms: Ideas can be elusive and hard to grasp.

Key Takeaway

Accept the limits of certainty.

Themes

epistemology perception illusion

Mood

curious thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • creative brainstorming
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

theory of knowledge cognitive limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • What intangible concepts captivate you?
  • How do you handle ungraspable ideas?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes uncertainty fuels discovery.

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