Quote by C.S. Lewis

An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about the ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or of Practical Reason is idiocy. If a man's mind is open on these things, let his mouth at least be shut. He can say nothing to the purpose. Outside the Tao there is no ground for criticizing either the Tao or anything else.

An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of having an open mind in matters that are not definitive or final. It suggests that being receptive to different perspectives can be beneficial. However, it discourages having an open mind when it comes to the fundamental principles of Theoretical or Practical Reason. It implies that it is foolish to be indecisive or unsure about these ultimate foundations. The quote concludes by suggesting that without a solid philosophical framework (symbolized by the Tao), one cannot meaningfully critique it or any other belief system. Hence, silence is more appropriate in such cases.

Topics

Education Morality Logic Thought Justice Culture Mind Ethics Open Mindedness Analysis Foundations Post Modernism Right And Wrong

By C.S. Lewis

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Bear and endure: This sorrow will one day prove to be for yo

Bear and endure: This sorrow will one day prove to be for your good.

Good

Tell him, on the contrary, that he needs, in the interest of

Tell him, on the contrary, that he needs, in the interest of his own happiness, to walk in the path of humility and self-control, and he will be indifferent, or even actively resentful.

Happiness

I don't want to see the military falling. I want to see the

I don't want to see the military falling. I want to see the military rising to dignified heights of professionalism and true patriotism.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Patriotism

Love is a banana. First you peel it, and then you roll on th

Love is a banana. First you peel it, and then you roll on the condom.?

Dark Jar Tin Zoo

Food Humor Funny Love Sex Fruit Naughty Banana Condom Peel

Great eagerness in the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, or honor

Great eagerness in the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, or honor, cannot exist without sin.

Desiderius Erasmus

Enthusiasm

And the uniqueness of every momentseeks the path from pain t

And the uniqueness of every momentseeks the path from pain to a pearl.

Inspirational Life And Living

Oh! too convincing -- dangerously dear -- In woman's eye the

Oh! too convincing -- dangerously dear -- In woman's eye the unanswerable tear!

Lord (George Gordon) Byron

Crying

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some h

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2

Angels

I think family is very important in West Virginia and has lo

I think family is very important in West Virginia and has long been so because the mountains made travel difficult in the past, and family members had to depend on each other.

What preoccupies us, then, is not God as a fact of nature, b

What preoccupies us, then, is not God as a fact of nature, but as a fabrication useful for a God-fearing society. God himself becomes not a power but an image.

Daniel J. Boorstin

God

It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hear

It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of non-violence to cover impotence. Violence is any day preferable to impotence. There is hope for a violent man to become non-violent. There is no such hope for the impotent.

Man

It is just the little difference between the good and the be

It is just the little difference between the good and the best that makes the difference between the artist and the artisan. It is just the little touches after the average man would quit that makes the master's fame.

Orison Swett Marden

Excellence