The 25 best phrases of Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer (England, 1820 - 1903) is one of the most studied psychologists of the 19th century. His work also collects writings in the field of philosophy, anthropology and sociology.
Spencer is especially remembered for being the author of the expression "survival of the fittest.", phrase that he pronounced after studying in depth the work of Charles Darwin. In addition, he was one of the authors who developed his thinking around the Lamarck theory.
Phrases and famous quotes of Herbert Spencer
In today's article we wanted to collect the best phrases of Herbert Spencer. Through famous quotes from him we can get closer to his thoughts and know first-hand some of the most valuable reflections of him.
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1. Education is aimed at the formation of character.
A somewhat innovative view of the purpose of education.
2. If men use their freedom in such a way that they renounce it, can they therefore be considered less slaves? If the people elect a despot to rule by a plebiscite, are they still free because despotism has been their own work?
A philosophical reflection that still continues to be studied today.
3. The function of liberalism in the past was to put a limit on the powers of kings. The role of true liberalism in the future will be to limit the power of parliaments.
A heterodox vision of this political and economic system.
4. At a clear head, with a quick imagination and a sensitive ear, he lets go of all unnecessary rhetorical precepts.
Good philosophers do not get lost in aesthetic martingales.
5. Society exists for the benefit of its members, not members for the benefit of society.
An individualistic vision of the ultimate purpose of living in community.
6. Civilization is the progress from an indefinite and incoherent homogeneity to a definite and coherent heterogeneity.
Respect for ethnic and cultural minorities would be proof that a civilization has achieved one of its priority objectives.
7. The universal basis of cooperation is to receive reciprocal benefits.
If in a team only one of the members wins, it is because the principle of reciprocity is not being fulfilled.
8. Limiting the freedom of each one to the freedom of the other, excludes improper actions, but does not exclude other more inappropriate ones.
A phrase by Herbert Spencer to free interpretation on individual and collective freedom.
9. The anarchist denies the right of any government - be it autocratic or democratic - to interfere with his individual freedom.
One of the anarchist principles, in Spencer's words.
10. Old forms of government grow so oppressive that they must be eliminated, even at the risk of terror reigning.
Another phrase that attests to his predilection for a liberal form of government.
11. The genius survives; everything else dies.
The mentality of geniuses Mark the difference.
12. Time: what men always try to kill, but ends up killing them.
The eternal fight. Do you need more famous quotes about the weather?
13. All socialism implies slavery.
His reflection on this political system based on the power of the State.
14. There is a principle that resists all information, that resists all investigation, that never ceases to keep man in perennial ignorance... It is the principle of dismissing what has not been investigated.
Scientists often suffer from this tendency not to value what has not yet been studied in depth.
15. Remain calm in discussions, because passion can turn error into fault, and truth into discourtesy.
A life advice from the most diplomatic Herbert Spencer.
16. Every man is free to do what he wants, as long as he does not infringe on the freedom of any other man.
The golden rule of liberalism.
17. Philosophy is the unification of thought.
A famous quote from Herbert Spencer.
- It may interest you: "75 philosophical phrases with which to cultivate your thinking"
18. It is assumed that the citizen agreed to everything that his representative can do when he voted for it.
One of the problems of representative democracy: lack of accountability.
19. Morality knows nothing of geographical boundaries or distinctions of race.
The ethical principles are unshakable and do not know of circumstances or mitigating factors.
20. The cult of heroism is strongest where there is less freedom of conscience.
The more ignorant a people is, the more it tends to exalt specific individuals and grant them high levels of power over their lives and their destiny.
21. Architecture, sculpture, painting, music, and poetry can be called the efflorescences of civilized life.
Transcending common life, that is the mission of the different artistic disciplines.
22. No one can be perfectly free until everyone is free, no one can be perfectly moral until everyone is moral, no one can be perfectly happy until everyone is happy.
In an ideal society we can all aspire to share ethical ideals.
23. Progress is not an accident, but a necessity.
It is essential for the individuals of each society to feel that their efforts bear fruit.
24. The great goal of education is not knowledge, but action.
Knowledge has to drive action and optimization of civilization.
25. Train yourself instead of waiting for them to train and model you.
In this sentence, Herbert Spencer exhorts us to find our own way.