← See the axis · The point of philosophy

The owl of Minerva comes too late

Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it.

Objects to Understanding the world

Marx, Hegel · Theses on Feuerbach, XI · 1845

1. Contemplation claims to be disinterested, above the parties: to understand the order of the world without claiming to change it.
2. But all thought arises from a situation and a balance of forces: to describe the existing order as 'rational' or 'natural' is already to legitimize it; to call oneself neutral is to take the side of what is.
3. The owl of Minerva takes flight only at dusk: contemplation always comes too late, when a form of life is already over. To understand without acting is to leave the world as it is, hence to consent to its injustices.

Therefore So contemplation fails its own claim: to stand above the parties is already to take a side, and the 'pure' gaze upon the world silently consents to what is.