Knowledge Quote by Lee Braver
““Nietzsche attacks the myth of a “pure” objective knowledge that could hover over reality without being implicated in it, that could, without prejudice or point of view, be the faithful mirror of reality. The illusion peculiar to knowledge, i.e., the illusion of objectivity, consists in imagining that it is possible to penetrate the essence of things, right down to its innermost recesses, while merely reflecting it. However, knowledge is essentially active even when it takes itself to be passive. (Haar 1996, 14–15)””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Limits of Knowledge, 1996
Nietzsche critiques the claim of objective knowledge, arguing all knowledge is shaped by perspective and activity.
In simple terms: Knowledge is never truly neutral.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions of objectivity.
Themes
epistemology
philosophy
subjectivity
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- media analysis
Key Concepts
critical theory
perspectivism
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does perspective play in your field?
- How can we mitigate bias while acknowledging subjectivity?
A Different Perspective
Pure objectivity may be unattainable, leading to relativism.
![“I extend the horizon of the senses by the imagination; … this conception … exalts me above the limited standpoint of the senses, … affects me agreeably, I posit [it] as a divine reality. … [I]t would be impossible for me to predicate omniscience of an object or being external to myself, if this…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/745/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_imagination_i-extend-the-horizon-of-the-senses-by-th_1013947.jpg)
![“Initially, you grasp [knowledge] through the ‘light’ of the intellect and then the understanding arises, and thereafter a state in which there is absence of anger-pride-deceit-greed and attachment-abhorrence arises.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/69a/dada-bhagwan-31_anger_initially-you-grasp-knowledge-through-th_2573015.jpg)
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
