It was civilization itself which inflicted this wound upon modern man. Once the increase of empirical knowledge, and more exact modes of thought, mad… - Friedrich Schiller

" "

It was civilization itself which inflicted this wound upon modern man. Once the increase of empirical knowledge, and more exact modes of thought, made sharper divisions between the sciences inevitable, and once the increasingly complex machinery of State necessitated a more rigorous separation of ranks and occupations, then the inner unity of human nature was severed too, and a disastrous conflict set its harmonious powers at variance. The intuitive and the speculative understanding now withdrew in hostility to take up positions in their respective fields, whose frontiers they now began to guard with jealous mistrust; and with this confining of our activity to a particular sphere we have given ourselves a master within, who not infrequently ends by suppressing the rest of our potentialities. While in one a riotous imagination ravages the hard-won fruits of the intellect, in another the spirit of abstraction stifles the fire at which the heart should have warmed itself and the imagination been kindled.

English
Collect this quote

About Friedrich Schiller

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (10 November 1759 – 9 May 1805), usually known as Friedrich Schiller, was a German poet, physician, historian, dramatist, and playwright.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Native Name: Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller
Alternative Names: Schillerean Johann Christian Friedrich von Schiller Johann C. F. Schiller Johann Christoph Friedrich Schiller Schiller Fridrikh Shiller Fridrikh Shiler F. Shiller Frideriko Schiller Joh. Christoph Friedrich von Schiller Frederick Schiller Hsi-le Friedrich von Schiller
Limited Time Offer

Premium members can get their quote collection automatically imported into their Quotewise collections.

Related quotes. More quotes will automatically load as you scroll down, or you can use the load more buttons.

Additional quotes by Friedrich Schiller

Satisfechos de eludir el amargo esfuerzo del pensamiento, gustan los más de abandonar a otros la tarea de administrar sus conceptos; y cuando sucede que en sus ánimos se agitan exigencias de más alta espiritualidad,

Enhance Your Quote Experience

Enjoy ad-free browsing, unlimited collections, and advanced search features with Premium.

One people will we be, — a band of brothers; No danger, no distress shall sunder us. We will be freemen as our fathers were, And sooner welcome death than live as slaves. We will rely on God's almighty arm, And never quail before the power of man.

Loading...