What expressions we used - in part taken over and in part…
“What expressions we used - in part taken over and in part newly invented! above all, the famous 'wholly other' breaking in upon us 'perpendicularly from above,' the not less famous 'infinite qualitative distinction' between God and man, the vacuum, the mathematical point, and the tangent in which alone they must meet.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Barth describes how modern thought fragments reality into abstract concepts that separate humanity from the divine, emphasizing the need to confront these divisions directly.
In simple terms: Modern ideas split reality, separating God and humanity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and bridge gaps between abstract thought and lived experience.
Themes
theology
philosophy
modernity
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- personal reflection
- artistic creation
- scientific inquiry
Key Concepts
ontological separation
infinite qualitative distinction
mathematical abstraction
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience the divide between abstract ideas and everyday life?
- Can you identify moments when you bridge that gap?
A Different Perspective
These concepts can be overly abstract, making practical application difficult.