"The presentations and conceptions of the average man of the world are formed and dominated, not by the full and pure desire for knowledge as an end in itself, but by the struggle to adapt himself favourably to the conditions of life"

This quote by Ernst Mach suggests that the typical person's understanding of the world is not based upon a real desire for understanding, however rather on the need to make it through and flourish in the world. This implies that the typical person is most likely to concentrate on useful understanding that can assist them be successful in life, rather than knowledge for its own sake. This is likely due to the reality that the typical individual is more worried with their own survival and success than with the pursuit of knowledge. This quote also recommends that the average person's understanding of the world is formed by their need to adjust to the conditions of life. This indicates that the typical person is most likely to focus on knowledge that can assist them survive and flourish in the world, instead of knowledge for its own sake. This quote highlights the value of practical understanding and the need to adjust to the conditions of life in order to endure and grow.