Complexity Quote by Umberto Eco
“Every thing thinks, but according to its complexity. If this is so, then stones also think...and this stone thinks only I stone, I stone, I stone. But perhaps it cannot even say I. It thinks: Stone, stone, stone... God enjoys being All, as this stone enjoys being almost nothing, but since it knows no other way of being, it is pleased with its own way, eternally satisfied with itself.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Name of the Rose (fictional) or philosophical musings, 1980s
Complexity implies consciousness; even stones may "think" within their limited existence.
In simple terms: Even stones may think in their own way.
Key Takeaway
Consider perspectives beyond human cognition.
Themes
philosophy
consciousness
metaphysics
Mood
thoughtful
speculative
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- theology
- environmental ethics
- creative writing
Key Concepts
subjectivity
anthropomorphism
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can non‑living things possess any form of awareness?
- What limits define consciousness?
A Different Perspective
Anthropomorphic projection may mislead understanding of non‑sentient things.
![“[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world... Land, labor, and capital are extremely heterogeneous aggregates, not much better than earth, air, fire, and water.” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_air_in-science-any-model-depends-on-a-pre-ch_12383.jpg)
