Schopenhauer Quote by Will Durant
““Intellectualism—the conception of man as above all a thinking animal, consciously adapting means to rationally chosen ends—fell sick with Rousseau, took to its bed with Kant, and died with Schopenhauer.””
About This Quote
Intellectualism, once a lofty view of humanity as rational beings, has been eroded by successive philosophers, ending in pessimism.
In simple terms: Intellectualism's decline
Key Takeaway
Rational idealism waned
Themes
philosophy
intellectual history
rationalism
pessimism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
quote
historical commentary
When to use this quote
- academic curricula
- cultural criticism
- personal worldview
Key Concepts
intellectualism
Rousseau
Kant
Schopenhauer
Practical Applications
- teaching the evolution of ideas
- informing debates on rationality
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the decline of intellectualism imply for modern society?
- Can rationalism be revived?
