Distinct Things Quote by Michael Oakeshott
““To define a thing is to see it clearly, to see it as distinct from other things and at the same time to see its exact relationship with other things: for a thing is its relations and activities.””
About This Quote
Source Book: On Human Conduct by Michael Oakeshott, 1975
Defining something involves seeing its distinctness and its connections to other things; identity is relational.
In simple terms: Definition is about distinctness and relations.
Key Takeaway
Consider context when defining.
Themes
philosophy
definition
relationships
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- teaching
- problem solving
Key Concepts
relational ontology
conceptual analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What relationships shape this concept?
- How does context change meaning?
A Different Perspective
Definitions can be overly rigid.
![“I have very distinct things that I like. I have very distinct opinions. Just because I choose to be a little less overt out on the campaign [trail] doesn't mean I'm anything less than very opinionated and very intelligent.” quote by Cindy McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f79/cindy-mccain-16878_campaigns_i-have-very-distinct-things-that-i-like_2960743.jpg)
![“The process of experiencing is well described by Goethe when he says that our life is made up of our connections with the world about us, and that we must each spin our own web and sit at the centre to catch what we can.[21] The web itself is made up of past experiences, and each new connection…” quote by Michael Oakeshott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/872/michael-oakeshott-23288_life_the-process-of-experiencing-is-well-desc_1004257.jpg)