Absolutes Quote by Raymond Aron
“Intellectuals cannot tolerate the chance event, the unintelligible: they have a nostalgia for the absolute, for a universally comprehensive scheme.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Opium of the Intellectuals by Raymond Aron, 1955
Intellectuals reject randomness and seek all‑encompassing theories, craving certainty over uncertainty.
In simple terms: Intellectuals dislike chance and want total explanations.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and avoid over‑reliance on grand theories.
Themes
uncertainty
knowledge
philosophy
intellectualism
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- personal belief formation
- public discourse
Key Concepts
epistemology
nostalgia for absolutes
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer simple answers over complex realities?
- How does this bias affect decision making?
A Different Perspective
Such cravings can lead to dogmatism and dismiss valuable complexity.
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