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Men have gone on to build up vast intellectual schemes…

“Men have gone on to build up vast intellectual schemes, philosophies, and theologies, to prove that ideals are not real as ideals but as antecedently existing actualities. They have failed to see that in converting moral realities into matters of intellectual assent they have evinced lack of moral…” quote by John Dewey
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“Men have gone on to build up vast intellectual schemes, philosophies, and theologies, to prove that ideals are not real as ideals but as antecedently existing actualities. They have failed to see that in converting moral realities into matters of intellectual assent they have evinced lack of moral faith.”

John Dewey

About This Quote

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

Intellectual systems often replace moral conviction, showing a loss of genuine faith.

In simple terms: Ideas can replace belief.

Key Takeaway

Balance thought with moral conviction.

Themes

philosophy morality faith

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic discourse
  • personal ethics
  • public policy
  • education
  • religious debate

Key Concepts

ideology intellectualism ethical skepticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we keep moral faith alive in scholarship?
  • What role does belief play in rational inquiry?
A Different Perspective

Moral faith can coexist with intellectual rigor.

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