MJ

Michael Joseph Oakeshott

16quotes

Michael Joseph Oakeshott


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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Michael Joseph Oakeshott was a British philosopher known for his contributions to the fields of political theory, philosophy of history, and economics. He is often referred to as M.J.C. Oakeshott or simply Oakeshott.

Birth and Death Dates
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Michael Oakeshott was born on December 11, 1901, in London, England. He passed away on December 19, 1990, at the age of 89.

Nationality and Profession(s)
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Oakeshott held British nationality throughout his life. His profession primarily revolved around academia and philosophy, as he taught and lectured at various institutions, including the University of London's London School of Economics (LSE) and the University College in Leicester.

Early Life and Background
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Michael Oakeshott was born to a family with a strong emphasis on education. His father, William Joseph Oakeshott, was an Anglican priest who encouraged his son's intellectual pursuits from an early age. Oakeshott's mother, Alice Mary Dorothea Oakeshott, also played a significant role in nurturing his love for learning.

Oakeshott attended St Paul's School in London before proceeding to Apsley Grammar School and later Christ Church, Oxford University. It was during this period that he developed an interest in philosophy and economics, laying the foundation for his future academic pursuits.

Major Accomplishments
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Michael Oakeshott made significant contributions to various fields, including:

Political theory: He critiqued traditional notions of politics and offered alternative perspectives on the role of government.
 Philosophy of history: Oakeshott challenged prevailing views on the nature of historical change and proposed a more nuanced understanding of historical development.

Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Oakeshott's notable works include:

_Experience and Its Modes_ (1939): This book explores the concept of experience and its various modes.
 _Rationalism in Politics_ (1947): In this essay, Oakeshott critiques rationalistic approaches to politics.
_On Human Conduct_ (1975-79): This two-volume work is a comprehensive exploration of human conduct and the nature of social relationships.

Impact and Legacy
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Oakeshott's ideas have had a lasting impact on various fields. His critique of rationalism in politics has influenced contemporary debates about the role of government and the nature of political decision-making. Furthermore, his philosophy of history continues to inspire new perspectives on historical change and development.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Michael Oakeshott is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:

Innovative thinking: His critiques of traditional notions of politics and history offered fresh perspectives that continue to resonate with scholars today.
Depth and nuance: Oakeshott's work is characterized by a depth and nuance that has made his ideas enduringly relevant.
 Philosophical insight: His contributions to the fields of political theory, philosophy of history, and economics have provided valuable insights into human conduct, social relationships, and the nature of historical change.

Quotes by Michael Joseph Oakeshott

For most people, political activity is a secondary activity – that is to say, they have something else to do beside attending to these arrangements. But the activity is one which every member of the group who is not a child nor a lunatic has some part and some responsibility.
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For most people, political activity is a secondary activity – that is to say, they have something else to do beside attending to these arrangements. But the activity is one which every member of the group who is not a child nor a lunatic has some part and some responsibility.
MJ
It is difficult to thinkof any circumstances where learning may be said to be impossible.
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It is difficult to thinkof any circumstances where learning may be said to be impossible.
MJ
It is certain that most who concentrate upon achievement miss life.
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It is certain that most who concentrate upon achievement miss life.
MJ
Political action involves mental vulgarity, not merely because it entails the occurrence and support of those who are mentally vulgar, but because of the simplification of human life implied in even the best of it purposes.
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Political action involves mental vulgarity, not merely because it entails the occurrence and support of those who are mentally vulgar, but because of the simplification of human life implied in even the best of it purposes.
MJ
Our predicament is not the difficulty of attaining happiness, but the difficult of avoiding the misery to which the pursuit of happiness exposes us.
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Our predicament is not the difficulty of attaining happiness, but the difficult of avoiding the misery to which the pursuit of happiness exposes us.
MJ
Poetry is a sort of truancy, a dream within the dream of life, a wild flower planted among our wheat.
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Poetry is a sort of truancy, a dream within the dream of life, a wild flower planted among our wheat.
MJ
History is what the evidence compels us to believe.
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History is what the evidence compels us to believe.
MJ
The conjunction of ruling and dreaming generates tyranny.
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The conjunction of ruling and dreaming generates tyranny.
MJ
Economics is not an attempt to generalize human desires or human behavior; but to generalize the phenomena of price.
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Economics is not an attempt to generalize human desires or human behavior; but to generalize the phenomena of price.
MJ
Every human being is born an heir to an inheritance to which he can succeed only in a process of learning.
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Every human being is born an heir to an inheritance to which he can succeed only in a process of learning.
MJ
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