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Buddhism Quote by Allen W. Wood

“What is most remarkable about the philosophy of Kant, in my opinion, is the wide range of topics on which his thoughts repay careful study. In so many areas -- not only in metaphysics but also in natural science, history, morality, and critique of taste -- he seems to have gone to the root of the…” quote by Allen W. Wood
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““What is most remarkable about the philosophy of Kant, in my opinion, is the wide range of topics on which his thoughts repay careful study. In so many areas -- not only in metaphysics but also in natural science, history, morality, and critique of taste -- he seems to have gone to the root of the matter, and at least raised for us the fundamental issues, whether or not we decide in the end that what he said about them is correct. In his brief, five-page essay on the question "What is Enlightenment?" for example, he locates the essence of enlightenment not in learning or the cultivation of our intellectual powers but in the courage and resolve to think for oneself, to emancipate oneself from tradition, prejudice, and every form of authority that offers us the comfort and security of letting someone else do our thinking for us. Kant's essay enables us to see that the issues raised by the challenge of the Enlightenment are still just as much with us as they were in the eighteenth century.””

Allen W. Wood

About This Quote

Source Book: Kant and the Problem of History, 2005

Kant sees enlightenment as independent thought, freeing oneself from tradition and authority, a challenge still relevant today.

In simple terms: Think for yourself, free from old ideas.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate independent thinking.

Themes

enlightenment critical thinking autonomy history

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • public discourse
  • personal growth
  • policy debate

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics cognitive freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice intellectual courage?
  • What traditions limit your thinking?
A Different Perspective

May be idealistic in complex societies.

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