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Modernism, philosophically speaking, is in a sense the…

“Modernism, philosophically speaking, is in a sense the ‘‘worship’’ of time and the transient, a kind of deification of time and becoming and all that flows in the temporal order. That is why it resulted quickly in historicism and evolutionism and the theories all of those 19th-century philosophers…” quote by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
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““Modernism, philosophically speaking, is in a sense the ‘‘worship’’ of time and the transient, a kind of deification of time and becoming and all that flows in the temporal order. That is why it resulted quickly in historicism and evolutionism and the theories all of those 19th-century philosophers such as Hegel and Marx and scientists such as Darwin. Such people are very different from one point of view, but they all in a sense divinize history even if Marx rejected the category of ‘‘divine.’’ The historical process is the reality that is domi- nant in modern thought. It is that which determines values and even real- ity today in the dominant Western paradigm.””

Seyyed Hossein Nasr

About This Quote

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

Modernism idolizes time and change, leading to historicism and evolutionism, and treats history as a dominant value‑shaping force.

In simple terms: Modernism worships time, making history the main value source.

Key Takeaway

Question how time‑centric views shape values.

Themes

philosophy modernity history

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical academic

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • policy analysis
  • personal worldview assessment

Key Concepts

metaphysics temporalism cultural critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does prioritizing the temporal affect moral judgments?
  • Can we balance historicism with enduring principles?
A Different Perspective

May neglect timeless or spiritual dimensions of meaning.

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