From this premise, the usual conclusions follow: humankind…
““From this premise, the usual conclusions follow: humankind is now separated from the true and the real; its destiny is to arrive at the consummation intended for it by God; philosophers are here to help the rest of us understand what that consummation is. James’s particular conception of it was derived in part from his reading of Swedenborg and in part from a writer with whom Swedenborg was often paired in the nineteenth century, the French socialist Charles Fourier: ‘Man’s destiny on earth,’ as James expressed it in Substance and Shadow (1863), ‘…consists in the realization of a perfect society, fellowship, or brotherhood among men.’ The chief impediment to arriving at this redeemed state was belief in an independent selfhood (what Swedenborg called the ‘proprium’). James considered this belief ‘the great parental fount of all the evils that desolate humanity.’ Belief in selfhood was bad because it led some people to regard themselves as superior to other people.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human destiny is a perfect society, hindered by belief in an independent selfhood.
In simple terms: Self‑hood blocks perfect society.
Key Takeaway
Question egoistic assumptions.
Themes
philosophy
society
selfhood
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- politics
- community building
- personal development
- theology
Key Concepts
Social theory
spiritualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance self and community?
- What replaces the self‑hood concept?
A Different Perspective
Collectivism can suppress individuality.