Quote by Victor Hugo

Mankind is not a circle with a single center but an ellipse with two focal points of which facts are one and ideas the other.

Mankind is not a circle with a single center but an ellipse

Summary

This quote suggests that humanity's understanding and progress are shaped by two primary forces: facts and ideas. It argues against the notion that knowledge is limited to a singular point or perspective. Instead, it likens human knowledge to an ellipse with two focal points, representing the balancing act between empirical truths (facts) and abstract concepts (ideas). Facts provide empirical evidence and concrete foundations, while ideas foster imagination, creativity, and speculation. It implies that both aspects are integral to human development and progress, as they collectively shape our understanding of the world.

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