Single Idea 23072

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 3. Metaphysical Systems]

Full Idea

Aristotle, Aquinas, Hegel - three enslavers of the mind. The worst form of despotism is the system, in philosophy and in everything.

Gist of Idea

Systems are the worst despotism, in philosophy and in life

Source

E.M. Cioran (The Trouble with Being Born [1973], 07)

Book Reference

Cioran,E.M.: 'The Trouble with Being Born', ed/tr. Richard Howard [Penguin 2012], p.99


A Reaction

I'm not quite clear why intellectual 'despotism' is a dreadful crime. I revere Aristotle, partly because he is systematic, but I reject about 30% of what he says. Still, many people agree with this idea.