For I do not seek to understand in order to believe, but I believe in order to understand. For I believe this: unless I believe, I will not understand.
Anselm Of CanterburyRead
In a world of democracies, in a world where the great projects that have set humanity on fire are the projects of the emancipation of individuals from entrenched social division and hierarchy; in such a world individuals must never be puppets or prisoners of the societies or cultures into which they have been born.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and agency in the context of social structures.
Roberto Unger highlights the necessity for individuals to exercise their autonomy and reject becoming mere products of their societal or cultural backgrounds. In a democratic world striving for individual liberation, it is crucial that people resist being controlled by the divisions and hierarchies established by society.
Themes
FreedomIndividualitySocietyDemocracyEmancipation
In practice
Example use cases
During a conference on social justice, this quote can be used to inspire discussions about the role of individuals in shaping society.
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