The history of thought may be summed up in these words: it is absurd by what it seeks and great by what it finds.

Summary

This quote implies that the history of human thinking and intellectual exploration can be characterized as both absurd and remarkable. It suggests that people have often embarked on seemingly absurd quests for knowledge, seeking things that may appear unattainable or illogical. However, in their pursuit, they have also stumbled upon great discoveries and made significant advances in understanding. In essence, the quote captures the paradoxical nature of human thought, combining elements of folly and brilliance throughout our intellectual history.

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