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Single Idea 19575

[from 'Miscellaneous Observations' by Novalis, in 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 3. Individual Essences ]

Full Idea

The more our senses are refined, the more capable they become of distinguishing between individuals. The highest sense would be the highest receptivity to particularity in human nature.

Gist of Idea

Refinement of senses increasingly distinguishes individuals

Source

Novalis (Miscellaneous Observations [1798], 072)

Book Reference

Novalis: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Stoljar,M.M. [SUNY 1997], p.34


A Reaction

I adore this idea!! It goes into the collection of support I am building for individual essences, against the absurd idea of kinds as essences (when they are actually categorisations). It also accompanies particularism in ethics.

Related Idea

Idea 9257 The complexities of life make it almost impossible to assess morality from a universal viewpoint [Prichard]