Animal Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“As thinkers, mankind has ever divided into two sects, Materialists and Idealists; the first class founding on experience, the second on consciousness; the first class beginning to think from the data of the senses, the second class perceive that the senses are not final and say, The senses give us representations of things, but what are the things themselves, they cannot tell. The materialist insists on facts, on history, on the force of circumstances and the animal wants of man; the idealists on the power of Thought and Will, on inspiration, on miracle, on individual culture.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Conduct of Life", 1860
Materialists trust sensory data; idealists trust consciousness and will.
In simple terms: Materialists rely on senses; idealists on mind.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both perspectives.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
dualism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- artistic creation
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
experience
consciousness
will
representation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can sensory data and intuition complement each other?
- When is reliance on will insufficient?
A Different Perspective
One view may overlook the other's insights.
