I cannot know anything of which there is and can be only one.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that we can only truly understand things that have multiple examples or variations. If something is completely unique, with no other similar things to compare it to, it becomes difficult for us to fully grasp or know it. The more examples and diversity we have, the better we can comprehend and learn about the world around us.
About Leo Strauss
Leo Strauss was an American scholar of political philosophy who had a long career as a professor at the University of Chicago. He studied the works of Plato, Aristotle, and other influential thinkers, and his research focused on reinterpreting their ideas for contemporary political theory.
More quotes from Leo Strauss
If God is One, and if there can be no other God, there can be no idea of God.
History of Political Philosophy scholar (1899-1973)
God is therefore unknowable. This is the fundamental premise of the Bible.
History of Political Philosophy scholar (1899-1973)
God’s reasons for communicating with man must be subsumed under his reason for communicating to him his account of his creation of the world – and man.
History of Political Philosophy scholar (1899-1973)
But the God of the Bible is not only One, but the only possible One.
History of Political Philosophy scholar (1899-1973)
If the highest things are unknowable, then the highest capacity or virtue of man cannot be theoretical wisdom.
History of Political Philosophy scholar (1899-1973)
All there is to thinking is seeing something noticeable, which makes you see something you weren’t noticing, which makes you see something that isn’t even visible.
History of Political Philosophy scholar (1899-1973)
I cannot know anything of which there is and can be only one.
History of Political Philosophy scholar (1899-1973)