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Absolutes Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

“Logic, too, also rests on assumptions that do not correspond to anything in the real world, e.g., on the assumption that there areequal things, that the same thing is identical at different points in time: but this science arose as a result of the opposite belief (that such things actually exist…” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
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“Logic, too, also rests on assumptions that do not correspond to anything in the real world, e.g., on the assumption that there areequal things, that the same thing is identical at different points in time: but this science arose as a result of the opposite belief (that such things actually exist in the real world). And it is the same with mathematics, which would certainly never have arisen if it had been understood from the beginning that there is no such thing in nature as a perfectly straight line, a true circle, and absolute measure.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

About This Quote

The passage argues that both logic and mathematics rely on idealized assumptions that do not exist in reality, yet they persist because of a belief in such entities.

In simple terms: Logic and math assume perfect things that aren't real.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of abstract models.

Themes

philosophy epistemology science mathematics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • theoretical research
  • engineering design
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

idealization assumption reality gap

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions do you take for granted?
  • How can we test abstract theories against reality?
A Different Perspective

Real-world applications may break when ideal assumptions fail.

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