Active Quote by G. Stanley Hall
“All possible truth is practical. To ask whether our conception of chair or table corresponds to the real chair or table apart from the uses to which they may be put, is as utterly meaningless and vain as to inquire whether a musical tone is red or yellow. No other conceivable relation than this between ideas and things can exist. The unknowable is what I cannot react upon. The active part of our nature is not only an essential part of cognition itself, but it always has a voice in determining what shall be believed and what rejected.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: "Philosophy of Science", 1905
Truth is useful; questioning irrelevant details distracts from practical understanding.
In simple terms: Useful truth matters.
Key Takeaway
Focus on practical truth.
Themes
epistemology
pragmatism
utility
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- design thinking
- problem solving
- education
Key Concepts
Phenomenology
cognitive science
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test usefulness?
- When do you ignore irrelevant details?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can paralyze action.
![“This splendid subject [mathematics], queen of all exact sciences, and the ideal and norm of all careful thinking...” quote by G. Stanley Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/634/g-stanley-hall-21940_careful_this-splendid-subject-mathematics-queen_855052.jpg)
