Causes Quote by William Ernest Hocking
“However rich we may become in knowledge of the deeper causes of historical results, we forgo all understanding of history if we forget this inner continuity,--i.e., the conscious intentions of the participants in history-making and their consciously known successes.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Philosophy of History, William Ernest Hocking, 1930
Knowing causes of events isn’t enough; without recalling participants’ intentions, history loses meaning.
In simple terms: History needs intent, not just causes.
Key Takeaway
Remember intentions, not just facts.
Themes
history
intentionality
understanding
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy analysis
- teaching history
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
philosophy
causality
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we uncover true intentions?
- What risks arise from ignoring participants’ motives?
A Different Perspective
Intentions are hard to document and may be biased.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)