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"Le possible se classe plus haut que l'actuel car la possibilité est enracinée dans le mode d'être de l'existence."

Martin Heidegger
Martin Heidegger Philosopher
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Quote meaning
At its heart, the idea here is that the potential or what could be is often more significant than what currently is. This is because the realm of possibilities holds endless opportunities and outcomes, whereas the actual is fixed and limited.

Historically, thinkers and philosophers have long grappled with the tension between potential and reality. This notion taps into a very human sense of hope and aspiration. We’ve all been there—imagining a future where things are different, maybe better. It's the same drive that pushes inventors to innovate and artists to create.

Let's take a real-world example: Imagine a young woman named Rosa. She's got this small, cozy bakery in a bustling city. Right now, she makes enough to get by, and her customers love her pastries. That’s her reality. But Rosa isn't just content with what 'is'. She dreams of expanding her little shop into a chain of bakeries all over the country. She pictures new recipes, additional staff, and bustling stores in every major city. The actual (her single bakery) might be great, but the possible (a nationwide chain) is what fuels her determination and creativity.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, allow yourself to dream big. Don’t get bogged down by your current circumstances or limitations. Think about what could be—what’s possible if you really put your mind and effort into it. Set goals that seem a bit out of reach. Those are the ones that’ll push you the most.

Here's a relatable story for you. Think about Sarah, a college student studying computer science. Right now, she's just another student, attending lectures and pulling all-nighters for exams. Her current situation doesn’t seem extraordinary. But Sarah has always been fascinated by artificial intelligence. She spends her free time working on small projects, teaching herself new programming languages, and dreaming about creating something groundbreaking.

One day, she gets this wild idea to develop an AI that can help detect early signs of mental health issues through social media interactions. It sounds ambitious—some might say impossible. But Sarah doesn’t let that stop her. Over the next few years, she dedicates herself to this project, collaborating with mentors, seeking funding, and tirelessly coding. Eventually, her AI program starts showing promise. It’s still in the early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize mental health care.

In this scenario, Sarah’s current reality might be limited—just a student with a dream. But it’s her belief in the possible that drives her forward and ultimately makes a significant impact.

So, what’s the takeaway? The actual is just a snapshot in time, but the possible is an endless canvas. Let yourself imagine. Let yourself believe that there’s more out there than what you see right now. Possibility isn’t just a concept; it’s a mode of being that can propel you forward in ways you might not even foresee. Remember, it's the dreamers and the believers in the possible who change the world.
Related tags
Abstract thought Being Existence Existentialism Metaphysics Philosophy Possibility Speculation
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