The simple point which I am concerned to make is that where ultimate values are irreconcilable, clear-cut solutions cannot, in principle, be found. To decide rationally in such situations is to decide in the light of general ideals, the overall pattern of life pursued by a man or a group or a society.
More Quotes from Isaiah Berlin:
Only barbarians are not curious about where they come from, how they came to be where they are, where they appear to be going, whether they wish to go there, and if so, why, and if not, why not.Isaiah Berlin
The first people totalitarians destroy or silence are men of ideas and free minds.
Isaiah Berlin
All forms of tampering with human beings, getting at them, shaping them against their will to your own pattern, all thought control and conditioning is, therefore, a denial of that in men which makes them men and their values ultimate.
Isaiah Berlin
The very desire for guarantees that our values are eternal and secure in some objective heaven is perhaps only a craving for the certainties of childhood or the absolute values of our primitive past.
Isaiah Berlin
Ideally, what we are calling for is a relationship of good neighbors, but given the number of bigoted terrorist chauvinists on both sides, this is impracticable. The solution must lie somewhat along the lines of reluctant toleration,
Isaiah Berlin
The fundamental sense of freedom is freedom from chains, from imprisonment, from enslavement by others. The rest is extension of this sense, or else metaphor.
Isaiah Berlin
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Based on Topics: Ideal Quotes, Life Quotes, Light Quotes, Man Quotes, Principle Quotes, Society & Civilization QuotesBased on Keywords: irreconcilable
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