Skip to content

Age Quote by Max Scheler

“Ressentiment is always to some degree a determinant of the romantic type of mind. At least this is so when the romantic nostalgia for some past era (Hellas, the Middle Ages, etc.) is not primarily based on the values of that period, but on the wish to escape from the present. Then all praise of…” quote by Max Scheler
Download Open image
“Ressentiment is always to some degree a determinant of the romantic type of mind. At least this is so when the romantic nostalgia for some past era (Hellas, the Middle Ages, etc.) is not primarily based on the values of that period, but on the wish to escape from the present. Then all praise of the “past” has the implied purpose of downgrading present-day reality.”

Max Scheler

About This Quote

Source Book: Der Formalismus der Wertethik, 1916

Romantic nostalgia often serves as an escape, devaluing the present by idealizing past eras.

In simple terms: Escaping present through idealized past.

Key Takeaway

Recognize present value, avoid idealizing past.

Themes

nostalgia escapism valuation time perception

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • cultural critique
  • historical comparison

Key Concepts

Romanticism value theory psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What present aspects are you undervaluing?
  • How can you appreciate past without demeaning now?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing past can blind to present challenges.

3.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Max Scheler

Explore all 30 Max Scheler quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes