"The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism"

This quote by Georg C. Lichtenberg speaks with the idea that the ancient Greeks had a deep understanding of human nature that we have yet to fully understand. He recommends that in order to reach the very same level of understanding, we need to go through a duration of regression, or a "strengthening hibernation of a brand-new barbarism". This suggests that we should return to a more primitive state in order to gain the very same level of insight into humanity that the Greeks had. This might be interpreted as a warning versus the threats of modernity and the need to maintain a connection to our past in order to comprehend our present. It likewise speaks with the idea that understanding and understanding of human nature is not something that can be acquired through modern-day innovation or scientific development, however rather through a more holistic technique. Ultimately, this quote acts as a reminder of the significance of aiming to our past in order to get a much better understanding of our present.