In Miguel de Unamuno’s Tragic Sense of Life, the reader is presented with a concept of a “starting point,” which may be understood to be the foundation of knowledge itself. This knowledge, which seems to be ascertained through merely human curiosity is then differentiated into two categories: one which is inherent among all humans through their instincts and a second form of knowledge, which is different than the former but closely related because it is essentially derived from it. The first form of knowledge simply emerges from inherent human tendencies while the other is based in human curiosity. Nevertheless, we as humans develop the latter as we experience more and subsequently form desires. Personally, I can illustrate the two forms of knowledge by relating them to my current experience, in which I am studying abroad in Rome, Italy.
By tracing the origin of knowledge to basic human instincts, we realize that our desires evolve. For me, my desire to study originates in my love of the ancient Roman culture. Initially, I was exposed to this area of study through the Latin language, in which I have been studying for nearly eight years. It is then simple to see how I can relate this to Unamuno’s idea of the “starting point.” This relation is garnered at first through me only learning Latin, thus the starting point of why I decided to study in Rome. Then, as my search for knowledge evolved from a sole curiosity into a deeper desire, I symbolically encountered this stage of progress, where innate knowledge becomes a greater yearning, and thus an eagerness to learn. Additionally, there is seemingly a contrast between knowledge and reason, in which the desire becomes practical, since we as humans must satisfy it. I did this clearly, by choosing to study Rome.
In conclusion, it would seem that logic necessitates a “starting point,” or an origin of knowledge, which grows as human curiosity expands.
1 comment:
already your desire to learn latin is evidence of a deeper curiosity than that satisfied by meeting our basic needs for survival – a dead language is of no use in that regard. when your survival necessities grow into something like a desire to excel in academics would you still call that knowing for the sake of living? knowing for the sake of knowing? do you agree with unamuno’s definitions? or with his idea but not his terminology? you are able to identify a personal starting point along your path of knowledge: does that help clarify the “wherefore” of where you are going?
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