Absolutes Quote by Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel
“If the essence of cynicism consists in preferring nature to art, virtue to beauty and science; in not bothering about the letter of things -- to which the Stoic strictly adheres -- but in looking up to the spirit of things; in absolute contempt of all economic values and political splendor, and in courageous defence of the rights of independent freedom; then Christianity would be nothing but universal cynicism.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Aesthetics and Politics", 1800
Cynicism can reject conventional values, making religion appear as a universal skepticism.
In simple terms: Cynicism questions all values.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of cynicism.
Themes
philosophy
politics
religion
skepticism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
essay
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic discourse
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
critical theory
ethical relativism
ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- Is all skepticism productive?
- When does critique become cynicism?
A Different Perspective
Cynicism may lead to nihilism if unchecked.
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