At this point in history when all things which concern man and the structure and elements of history itself are suddenly revealed to us in a new light, it behooves us in our scientific thinking to become masters of the situation, for it is not inconceivable that sooner than we suspect, as has often been the case before in history, this vision may disappear, the opportunity may be lost, and the world will once again present a static, uniform, and inflexible countenance.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of seizing current opportunities in understanding human history and society, lest we fall back into a stagnant state.
In this quote, Karl Mannheim urges us to recognize the fleeting nature of insights gained about humanity and history. He suggests that our current understanding is a remarkable opportunity that requires active engagement and mastery, warning that if we fail to act, we risk returning to a static and unchanging perspective that has characterized previous eras.
In practice
This quote would be great to inspire students during a history lesson about societal changes.
As long as one does not call his own position into question but regards it as absolute, while interpreting his opponents' ideas as a mere function of the social positions they occupy, the decisive step forward has not yet been taken.
[W]hen the empirical investigator glories in his refusal to go beyond the specialized observation dictated by the traditions of his discipline, be they ever so inclusive, he is making a virtue out of a defense mechanism which insures him against questioning his presuppositions.
Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me.
Whatever sympathy I feel towards religions, whatever admiration for some of their adherents, whatever historical or biological necessity I see in them, whatever metaphorical truth, I cannot accept them as credible explanations of reality; and they are incredible to me in proportion to the degree that they require my belief in positive human attributes and intervenient powers in their divinities.
I am not tired of my work, neither am I tired of the world; yet, when Christ calls me home, I shall go with gladness.
The worst crime committed by totalitarian mind-sets is that they force their citizens, including their victims, to become complicit in their crimes. Dancing with your jailer, participating in your own execution, that is an act of utmost brutality.
Life is the dancer and you are the dance.
Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class is its future.
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