Historical understanding arises from ordinary empathic understanding of neighbors

Evidence

The act of historical Verstehen draws on, and arises from, the capacity for empathic understanding by means of which we relate to our neighbors: “The understanding of Saint Paul and Louis XIV is essentially the same as is the understanding of a personal acquaintance.” Practical life depends, moreover, on the selective reconstruction of past events in relation to their implications for present circumstances. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 41

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Understanding communication means grasping others’ purposes hermeneutically — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 383; Social unity is felt through concrete relations rather than abstract awareness — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 169; Understanding a person’s struggles requires knowledge of their situation. — Jordan B. Peterson, 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos, 311

Related

• Social unity is felt through concrete relations rather than abstract awareness (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Understanding communication means grasping others’ purposes hermeneutically #expands (0.55) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 383
• Social unity is felt through concrete relations rather than abstract awareness #corroborates (0.50) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 169