Single Idea 21979

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 1. Nature of Wisdom]

Full Idea

The Owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with the falling of dusk.

Clarification

The owl is the symbol of Roman wisdom

Gist of Idea

Wisdom emerges at the end of a process

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], Pref p.13), quoted by A.W. Moore - The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics 07.4

Book Reference

Moore,A.W.: 'The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics' [CUP 2013], p.174


A Reaction

Hegel explains that this means that wisdom is the product of historical maturity, as the ideal emerges, and illuminates what is real. I think.