Discovery Quote by John Dewey
“The outstanding problem of the Public is discovery and identification of itself”
About This Quote
Source Book: Experience and Nature, John Dewey, 1925
The core issue for society is recognizing and defining its own identity and purpose.
In simple terms: Society must find and name itself.
Key Takeaway
Seek self‑knowledge and clarity.
Themes
identity
society
philosophy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- community planning
- education reform
- civic engagement
- media analysis
Key Concepts
self‑recognition
public sphere
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a public’s identity?
- How can groups achieve consensus on self‑definition?
A Different Perspective
Self‑identification can be hindered by competing narratives.
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![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
![“[W]e must learn to accommodate ourselves to the discovery that some of those cunningly-fashioned instruments called human souls have only a very limited range of music, and will not vibrate in the least under a touch that fills others with tremulous rapture or quivering agony.” quote by George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9be/george-eliot-84_agony_w-e-must-learn-to-accommodate-ourselves_12409.jpg)
![“That has been another interesting discovery: that basically a city [Lagos] could recover from a really deep, deep, deep pit.” quote by Rem Koolhaas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/61e/rem-koolhaas-5371_cities_that-has-been-another-interesting-discov_15915.jpg)
