Single Idea 20241

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / G. Biology / 3. Evolution]

Full Idea

Investigators of knowledge ...have regularly presupposed that the salvation of humanity depended on insight into the origin of things. ...but with insight into origin comes the increasing insignificance of origin.

Gist of Idea

Enquirers think finding our origin is salvation, but it turns out to be dull

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Dawn (Daybreak) [1881], 044)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Dawn (Daybreak) (v 5)', ed/tr. Smith, Brittain [Stanford 2011], p.36


A Reaction

This sounds like the etymological fallacy, of thinking that the origin of a word gives you a true grasp of its meaning.