Ancient Quote by Jean Gebser
“Since ancient times, the left side has stood for the side of the unconscious or the unknown; the right side, by contrast, has represented the side of consciousness or wakefulness. Through the late twentieth century, the movement of the Left limited themselves to a materialist understanding of reality- exemplified by Marxism- demanding social justice and economic equality but not the restoration of intuition and the recognition of the hidden, qualitative dimensions of being suppressed by the mental-rational consciousness, narrowly focused on the quantifiable.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ever-Present Origin, 1949
The left/right metaphor illustrates how modern thought prioritizes rational, measurable reality while neglecting intuitive, qualitative aspects of existence.
In simple terms: Rational focus ignores intuition.
Key Takeaway
Balance rational analysis with intuitive insight.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
culture
duality
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education reform
- personal development
- organizational decision making
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
consciousness
intuition
materialism
qualitative dimensions
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we integrate intuition into scientific practice?
- What are the costs of ignoring qualitative experience?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on rationality can stifle creativity and holistic understanding.
