Capacity Quote by Leo Strauss
“If the highest things are unknowable, then the highest capacity or virtue of man cannot be theoretical wisdom.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Natural Right and History, 1953
If ultimate truths are beyond comprehension, then true virtue cannot be purely theoretical.
In simple terms: Unknowable truths limit purely intellectual virtue.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate practical wisdom alongside theory.
Themes
philosophy
virtue
epistemology
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- education
- personal development
Key Concepts
metaphysics
practical ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance theory and practice?
- What role does humility play in seeking virtue?
A Different Perspective
Theoretical knowledge alone may be insufficient for moral action.
![“To avert the danger [posed by theory] to life, Nietzsche could choose one of two ways: he could insist on the strictly esoteric character of the theoretical analysis of life - that is, restore the Platonic notion of the noble delusion - or else he could deny the possibility of theory proper and so…” quote by Leo Strauss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3dd/leo-strauss-12446_adopted_to-avert-the-danger-posed-by-theory-to-l_1610746.jpg)
![“The emancipation of the scholars and scientists from philosophy is according to [Nietzsche] only a part of the democratic movement, i.e. of the emancipation of the low from subordination to the high. ... The plebeian character of the contemporary scholar or scientist is due to the fact that he has…” quote by Leo Strauss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76a/leo-strauss-12446_character_the-emancipation-of-the-scholars-and-sci_389563.jpg)
