Immanuel KantImmanuel Kant, (1724-1804) German philosopher

Immanuel Kant Quote

“The human heart refuses to believe in a universe without purpose.”

Immanuel KantImmanuel Kant
~ Immanuel Kant


Ratings and Comments


A nobody, Hicksville

That is really heartfelt, and so true...

Joe, Rochester, MI

No purpose, no God.

Mary Kant, Horsham

it's great, he is my great, great, great, great uncle of course!

Waffler, Smith

Existentialism says it all when it says "you are the meaning and purpose of life" and by extension "I am the meaning and purpose of life". And I guess there is no meaning and purpose outside of :"self". Sounds selfish but it really isn't since it applies equally to all "selves".

Anonymous, Reston, VA, US

Again, it really matters how you define "what is is"... in this case, what is "purpose". It clearly is not what society defines as various "god" figures. Waffler seems to be onto it here, we impose purpose out of our need to find one... it is not that the universe exists due to its purpose, but that we impose purpose upon that which already exists.

Mike, Norwalk

I was ready on line the other day a new study (I apologize I can't quote it, I'm going to look for it again) that showed that human's, differing from other animals, has a rudimentary desire to help others. The human being is religious from birth and, inherently comprehends a purpose with an inability to intellectualize it, comprehend it in a corporeal state, or formalize the why of it. It is a sick, depraved, and chaotic body that intellectualizes or otherwise rejects a universe without purpose.

Brian D. Pickett, Tampa, Florida

Reason tells us that the Universe has no purpose it only exists. We each determine our own purpose in life. Of course Kant believed we couldn't prove existence so how then can he claim a purpose to something he did not believe in? Kant was a fool.....!

E Archer, NYC

The quote is not an affirmation of 'purpose' but of 'heart.'

RBESRQ
  • Reply
RBESRQ    12/29/09

That's fine by me; no purpose, no God. Why is it so necessary to believe there is a purpose how about just enjoying and living in the moment. Kindness is my religion, I don't need God or a purpose - I threw those crutches out a long time ago.

E Archer, NYC
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E Archer, NYC RBESRQ 4/25/19

LOL!  Robert, you are one of the most purposeful people I know. ;-)  How many causes are you fighting for?  Do you not take a stand regularly?  You have a big heart.  You act like you don't know who you are or why you do what you do.  You may fool yourself, but you can't fool me!

Logan, Memphis, TN

RBESRQ, your life is worthless. Good observation, however, by Kant, in response to Hume.

Waffler, Smith

Have you heard of the theory of Gaia which states that "the earth is a living organism". Say what!

RBESRQ
  • Reply
    RBESRQ    12/30/09

    Sadly Logan you have little if any understanding of what Life is to be worthless.

    Ronw13, OR
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      Ronw13, OR    4/23/19

      The Kantian paradigm shift, has been and still is one of the greatest influences upon critical thought. 
      "The guarantee of perpetual peace in nothing less than the great artist, nature.... In her mechanical course we see that her aim is to produce a harmony among men, against their will, and indeed through their discord. As a necessity working according to laws we do not know, we call it destiny, but, considering its designs in universal history, we call it "providence" inasmuch as we discern in it the profound wisdom of a higher cause which predetermines the course of nature and directs it to the objective final end of the human race". Constitutional Republics are the means to peace by way of natural law and the protection of individual liberty and freedom. 

      Ronw13, OR
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        Ronw13, OR    4/23/19

        It would best to be noted, that our Creator can be observed through his natural laws, this by way of a believing heart of singular treasure. 

        Abby
        • Reply
        Abby    4/18/22

        So what is that niggling little feeling one gets just thinking about smacking someone who says something stupid?  My mom always told me to listen to God when he was reminding me of how to behave.

        Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

        The purpose is to build a human and the supporting environment. The kids, however,  spend all their time building gods, viruses, and a multitude of other deceptions paving the avenues to death. The adult paves the way for the highest form of existence, the adult human being.

        E Archer, NYC

        In Nature, intention precedes creation.  An apple seed's purpose is built-in.  Pick a living creature and observe its body and impeccable design characteristics.  The study of biology, chemistry, physics, language, music, religion, power reveals incredible order and demonstrates Natural Law. 

        Purpose is revealed.  Yes, I bring purpose to my life, but I endeavor to be in harmony with what appears to be 'the big purpose' built into Nature itself. 

        What is the source of the intention of the creation of this world?  Words may not ever suffice, but during the Age of Enlightenment the source and creator was referred to as "Nature's God."

        @

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