“ Let each thinker pursue his own path; if he shows talent, if he gives evidence of profound thought, in one word, if he shows that he possesses the power of reasoning—reason is always the gainer. ”
Immanuel Kant, Critique of Pure Reason (1791). copy citation
Author | Immanuel Kant |
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Source | Critique of Pure Reason |
Topic | power reason |
Date | 1791 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | Translated by J. M. D. Meiklejohn |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/4280/4280-h/4280-h.htm |
Context
“What is to be done to provide against the danger which seems in the present case to menace the best interests of humanity? The course to be pursued in reference to this subject is a perfectly plain and natural one. Let each thinker pursue his own path; if he shows talent, if he gives evidence of profound thought, in one word, if he shows that he possesses the power of reasoning—reason is always the gainer. If you have recourse to other means, if you attempt to coerce reason, if you raise the cry of treason to humanity, if you excite the feelings of the crowd, which can neither understand nor sympathize with such subtle speculations—you will only make yourselves ridiculous.”
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