Quote by Henry David Thoreau

What sort of philosophers are we, who know absolutely nothing about the origin and destiny of cats?

What sort of philosophers are we, who know absolutely nothin

Summary

This quote, attributed to the philosopher Henry David Thoreau, questions the value and limitations of human knowledge. Thoreau suggests that if philosophers cannot even understand the nature and purpose of cats, beings much simpler than ourselves, it casts doubt on the extent to which we truly understand the origin and destiny of more complex phenomena. This assertion challenges philosophers and intellectuals to acknowledge the inherent gaps in human knowledge and encourages them to approach their inquiries with humility and a broadened perspective.

Topics

Philosophy

By Henry David Thoreau

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