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Quote#World

You cannot think without abstractions; accordingly, it is of the…

Quote byAlfred North Whitehead · 1861–1947

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Science and the Modern World (1925), Ch. 4: "The Eighteenth Century", pp. 82–83.

English (original)

You cannot think without abstractions; accordingly, it is of the utmost importance to be vigilant in critically revising your modes of abstraction. It is here that philosophy finds its niche as essential to the healthy progress of society. It is the critic of abstractions. A civilisation which cannot burst through its current abstractions is doomed to sterility.

— Alfred North Whitehead

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