Human, All Too Human, Part 9 summary
Part 9 of 152 · 2 min to read the part
In 9, the speaker concedes that a metaphysical world may exist but argues that human perception cannot establish its nature or importance. The argument separates bare possibility from religious and emotional commitments, concluding that even certain knowledge of such a world would have very little practical consequence.
What happens
- The speaker allows the possibility of a metaphysical world while stressing that humans perceive everything through their own minds.
- He traces the appeal of metaphysical assumptions to passion, error, and self-deception rather than sound knowledge.
- Exposing these foundations discredits existing religions and metaphysics without disproving the possibility of another world.
- That possibility cannot justify making happiness, salvation, or life depend upon it.
- Even if this world's existence were certain, knowledge of it would matter less than water chemistry to a storm-tossed sailor.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Human, All Too Human: A Book for Free Spirits, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this part
Quick check
What does the speaker concede about a metaphysical world?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Human, All Too Human: A Book for Free Spirits, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
