Awareness of our limitations is what saves us from despair over them

Evidence

That we do not simply stand within these boundaries, but by virtue of our awareness of them have passed beyond them—this is the sole consideration which can save us from despair over them, over our limitations and finitude. That we are cognizant of our knowing and our not-knowing, and are likewise aware of this broader cognizance, and so forth into the potentially endless—this is the real infinity of vital movement on the level of intellect. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 795

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Self-knowledge of one’s limits requires a vantage point outside them — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 787; Nonattachment enables resilience in the face of failure. — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 1068; Immediate unhappiness combined with reflection generates metaphysical optimism about super-sensible worlds — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1141 (+4 more)

Related

• Self-knowledge of one’s limits requires a vantage point outside them (similarity 0.82)

Broader Connections

• Nonattachment enables resilience in the face of failure. #expands (0.55) — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 1068
• Despair often arises from logical conclusions about life. #contradicts (0.50) — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 93
• Perspective shifts can transform fear into relief. #expands (0.45) — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 221
• Immediate unhappiness combined with reflection generates metaphysical optimism about super-sensible worlds #expands (0.40) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1141