more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
The things in civilisation we most prize are not of ourselves. They exist by grace of the doings and sufferings of the continuous human community in which we are a link
Gist of Idea
The things in civilisation we prize are the products of other members of our community
Source
John Dewey (The Later Works (17 vols, ed Boydston) [1930], 9:57), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 7 'Reconstruct'
Book Ref
Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.202
A Reaction
Dewey defends liberalism, but he has strong communitarian tendencies. What is the significance of an enduring community losing touch with its own achievements?
Related Idea
Idea 22874 Individuality is only developed within groups [Dewey]
| 22866 | Mind is never isolated, but only exists in its interactions [Dewey] |
| 22873 | Liberalism should improve the system, and not just ameliorate it [Dewey] |
| 22872 | Liberals aim to allow individuals to realise their capacities [Dewey] |
| 22869 | Knowledge is either the product of competent enquiry, or it is meaningless [Dewey] |
| 22870 | No belief can be so settled that it is not subject to further inquiry [Dewey] |
| 22867 | The quest for certainty aims for peace, and avoidance of the stress of action [Dewey] |
| 22864 | Philosophy is the study and criticsm of cultural beliefs, to achieve new possibilities [Dewey] |
| 22879 | 'God' is an imaginative unity of ideal values [Dewey] |
| 22877 | We should try attaching the intensity of religious devotion to intelligent social action [Dewey] |
| 22880 | The things in civilisation we prize are the products of other members of our community [Dewey] |
| 22878 | Religions are so shockingly diverse that they have no common element [Dewey] |