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Paradoxe: in Großdruckschrift
Excerpt from Paradoxes
Wherefore Paradoxes Because this book enters upon the discussion of the problems of which it treats in all candor, unbiased by the intimidating decrees of schools and indifferent to customary views and opinions. Statements hitherto considered unimpeachable, be cause no one has ever questioned their validity, must submit to the demand for their proofs, and then it frequently appears that they have none. Commonplaces are compelled to vindicate their veracity, and if they cannot do this, neither rank nor standing will save them from condemnation. The chief aim of this book is to demonstrate that even what is most self-evident is still open to many doubts and may lead to much perplexity, as it frequently happens that the same fact may be supported by the most opposite theories and explanations, which all seem equally plausible and probably are all equally erro neous. The author will have accomplished his purpose if he succeeds in inducing the reader to distrust all ready-made formulas, and yet give due consideration to every utterance of honest Opinion, to admit that the most convincing demonstration still leaves room for doubt, but also to patiently sift the most unacceptable argument, and, more than all, never to renounce the right of individual conclusions, even in favor of the highest authorities.
Wherefore Paradoxes Because this book enters upon the discussion of the problems of which it treats in all candor, unbiased by the intimidating decrees of schools and indifferent to customary views and opinions. Statements hitherto considered unimpeachable, be cause no one has ever questioned their validity, must submit to the demand for their proofs, and then it frequently appears that they have none. Commonplaces are compelled to vindicate their veracity, and if they cannot do this, neither rank nor standing will save them from condemnation. The chief aim of this book is to demonstrate that even what is most self-evident is still open to many doubts and may lead to much perplexity, as it frequently happens that the same fact may be supported by the most opposite theories and explanations, which all seem equally plausible and probably are all equally erro neous. The author will have accomplished his purpose if he succeeds in inducing the reader to distrust all ready-made formulas, and yet give due consideration to every utterance of honest Opinion, to admit that the most convincing demonstration still leaves room for doubt, but also to patiently sift the most unacceptable argument, and, more than all, never to renounce the right of individual conclusions, even in favor of the highest authorities.
430 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1885
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About the author
Max Nordau
144 books15 followersMax Simon Nordau (born Simon Maximilian Südfeld), was a Zionist leader, physician, author, and social critic. He was a co-founder of the World Zionist Organization together with Theodor Herzl, and president or vice president of several Zionist congresses.
As a social critic, he wrote a number of controversial books, including The Conventional Lies of Our Civilisation (1883), Degeneration (1892), and Paradoxes (1896). Although not his most popular or successful work whilst alive, Degeneration is the book most often remembered and cited today.
(wikipedia)
As a social critic, he wrote a number of controversial books, including The Conventional Lies of Our Civilisation (1883), Degeneration (1892), and Paradoxes (1896). Although not his most popular or successful work whilst alive, Degeneration is the book most often remembered and cited today.
(wikipedia)
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