"To be is to be the value of a variable"
- Willard Van Orman Quine
About this Quote
This quote by Willard Van Orman Quine is a philosophical statement about the nature of existence. It suggests that presence is not a set state, but rather a constantly changing worth. To be is to be the worth of a variable, implying that presence is constantly in flux. This idea is carefully associated to the philosophical concept of flux, which mentions that all things are continuously changing and absolutely nothing is ever static. Quine's quote suggests that existence is not a fixed state, but rather a continuously changing worth. It recommends that the only way to really comprehend existence is to accept that it is constantly changing and developing. This quote likewise indicates that the only method to really understand ourselves is to accept that we are continuously altering and developing. We are not fixed beings, however rather constantly changing variables. Quine's quote encourages us to accept the ever-changing nature of presence and to welcome the uncertainty that includes it. By doing so, we can much better comprehend ourselves and our location on the planet.
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