"If the highest things are unknowable, then the highest capacity or virtue of man cannot be theoretical wisdom"

Leo Strauss's quote, "If the highest things are unknowable, then the highest capacity or virtue of male can not be theoretical knowledge", touches on the limits of human understanding and the nature of knowledge. This declaration can be unpacked by thinking about several philosophical measurements.

Firstly, Strauss is addressing the nature of "the greatest things", which can be analyzed as the supreme facts or realities about existence, such as the nature of the divine, the universes, or the foundational principles of principles and existence. The assertion that these are "unknowable" suggests an epistemological border to human understanding. Simply put, there are certain aspects of truth that exceed human capability for understanding, despite our intellectual efforts or developments.

The 2nd part of the quote, "the highest capability or virtue of man can not be theoretical knowledge", presumes a considerable implication for humanity and the pursuit of knowledge. In conventional philosophical terms, especially within classical viewpoint, theoretical wisdom (or "sophia" in Greek) is considered an intellectual virtue-- a pursuit targeted at attaining understanding, understanding, and insight into the nature of reality. It is frequently aligned with the life of reflection and is kept in high regard as an honorable and raised activity of the human soul.

However, if the supreme truths are naturally beyond our grasp, then Strauss recommends that it is misdirected to think about theoretical knowledge as the pinnacle of human virtue. A ramification is that useful wisdom, or "phronesis", which concerns itself with ethical and sensible action in the realm of human affairs, might be elevated in its significance. Practical wisdom includes making sound decisions and taking proper actions, completely in recognition of our restrictions.

In Strauss's view, acknowledging the unknowability of the highest things does not lessen the value of pursuing knowledge however reframes the understanding of what constitutes the greatest virtue. The acknowledgment of these limits invites humility and redirects the focus from purely intellectual aspirations to the importance of ethical action and practical engagement with the world.