This is from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German philosopher and statesman 1749-1832.
2007-01-14 12:50:12 · 8 answers · asked by Lt. Dan reborn 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Great idea, but very unrealistic.
Youi still need to keep an eye on those stray dust bunnies
2007-01-15 02:41:01 · answer #1 · answered by Gargirl™® 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave it to a German to make his metaphors about cleanliness!
Contrary to what a couple people said above, Goethe is not saying, don't help others. Come on! This is one of the top-twenty smartest guys who ever lived.
It's a bit of referencing the Biblical warning to not worry about the speck in our brother's eye when there is a plank in our own.
It's also about personal responsibility as one person said, but more than that, it's that we are all linked, and that realizing that, if we start with ourselves --- all of us--- we can solve any problem. Remember that Goethe was referring to the common property in front of the doorway, the sidewalk or whatever, not just the property that belongs to the sweeper. So, he is saying, don't just be responsible for one's self, but be responsible for the part of the self that extends into the community, society and the world.
2007-01-14 21:23:09 · answer #2 · answered by writealready 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Goethe often seems to be speaking in riddles, but this is one of his clearer metaphores. Everyone has a part to play in the bigger picture by doing a seemingly small thing. Co-ordinating a lot of individuals in doing the same task and you create an army.
Unfortunately, while everyone is busy moving the dirt from one place to the next and back again, perhaps they will fail to notice the new 'controller' rising up behind them, who wants everyone to be kept busy and not to ask too many questions!
2007-01-14 21:49:02 · answer #3 · answered by Bart S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This would seem ideal, but of course the world cannot support this type of view. The statement you've provided is a very conservative view. Every man working for himself overlooks the need for things like welfare, healthcare, and other services society has in place to help others who can't help themselves.
The image the statement von Goethe provided paints in my mind a picture similar to that of the Hobsian state of nature before the contract has been established.
2007-01-14 20:58:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Heck yes, this is one of the best affirmative statements I have read in a long time! People should take responsibility for themselves and not always be on the look-out for a hand-out. If people just have personal accountability and motivation, the world would be a much better and cleaner place. Thus, just do your part and things will fall into place and take care of itself. Thanks!
2007-01-14 21:01:26 · answer #5 · answered by Justin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that statement is very similar to my favourite quote from Gandhi which says "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." I think the bottom line of both quotes is that we have to start with ourselves first, make ourselves as perfect as possible, continue to grow and improve and look within, before we can go and look outside of ourselves to cast blame.
2007-01-14 21:47:15 · answer #6 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree Mind your own business and the whole work would be better.you should be worried about whats going on in your own life and leave everyone else alone.
I would rather be hated for who I am
than be loved for who I am not.
2007-01-14 20:59:59 · answer #7 · answered by Dew 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That works great if we all live right next to each other.
2007-01-14 21:45:43 · answer #8 · answered by eschampion 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋