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Solomon saith: There is no new thing upon the earth. So…

“Solomon saith: There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Solomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion. Francis Bacon: Essays, LVIII” quote by Jorge Luis Borges
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““Solomon saith: There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Solomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion. Francis Bacon: Essays, LVIII””

Jorge Luis Borges

About This Quote

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

The quote suggests that everything we think is new is actually a recollection of forgotten knowledge, and that true novelty is impossible.

In simple terms: All knowledge is remembered, not created.

Key Takeaway

Seek wisdom in the past.

Themes

philosophy knowledge history

Mood

contemplative thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • creative writing
  • teaching
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Platonism Baconian skepticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What " can be truly new?
  • How does remembering shape invention?
A Different Perspective

It may underestimate human innovation.

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