The world does not speak. Only we do. The world can, once we have programmed ourselves with a language, cause us to hold beliefs. But it cannot propose a language for us to speak. Only other human beings can do that.
—Richard Rorty
Topics: Speech, Conversation
Always strive to excel, but only on weekends.
—Richard Rorty
Topics: Excellence
Open-mindedness should not be fostered because, as Scripture teaches, Truth is great and will prevail, nor because, as Milton suggests, Truth will always win in a free and open encounter. It should be fostered for its own sake.
—Richard Rorty
Topics: Perception, Awareness
The difference between people and ideas is… only superficial.
—Richard Rorty
Topics: Ideas
The usual picture of Socrates is of an ugly little plebeian who inspired a handsome young nobleman to write long dialogues on large topics.
—Richard Rorty
Topics: Philosophers, Philosophy
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Charles Sanders Peirce American Philosopher
Hilary Putnam American Philosopher
Jacques Derrida French Philosopher, Literary Theorist
Robert M. Pirsig American Writer
Noam Chomsky American Linguist, Philosopher, Social Critic
Robert Anton Wilson American Polymath
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz German Philosopher, Mathematician
Susan Sontag American Writer, Philosopher
Daniel C. Dennett American Philosopher, Atheist
Umberto Eco Italian Novelist