Saying: The two grand tyrants of the Earth, Time and Chance
Info
- Title: The two grand tyrants of the Earth, Time and Chance
- Type: Sayings
- Category: { Wisdom and Insights }
- Print: Download as PDF for printing
Johann Gottfried von Herder provides a succinct reflection on life's uncontrollable forces with his quote "The two grand tyrants of the Earth, Time and Chance." The German philosopher and poet metaphorically emphasizes chance and time as decisive powers of human existence. This quote originates from his principal work on the philosophy of history and is often cited in cultural and philosophical contexts.
Origin and Use of the Quote
The quote is unequivocally attributed to Johann Gottfried von Herder (1744–1803), a major philosopher and poet of the Weimar Classicism. The exact original German text is: "Die zwei größten Tyrannen der Erde: der Zufall und die Zeit." It appears in Herder's work "Ideen zur Philosophie der Geschichte der Menschheit" and is frequently referenced in literary and historical-philosophical texts regarding the impact of time and chance.
Meaning and Interpretation of the Quote
In this statement, Herder emphasizes the inescapable power of time and chance, significantly shaping human life.
The quote highlights a philosophical understanding of existence wherein human planning and control are ultimately limited by greater forces.
It invites reflection on human limitations: neither time nor chance can be fully grasped through rational frameworks.
This perspective underscores the value of humility and serenity toward uncontrollable life factors.
The quote finds broad application in historical-philosophical discussions, essays, and cultural analyses illustrating the influence of time and chance on human history.