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Dialectical thought understands the critical tension between “is” and “ought” first as an ontological condition, pertaining to the structure of Being itself. However, the recognition of this state of Being — its theory — intends from the beginning a concrete practice. Seen in the light of a truth which appears in them falsified or denied, the given facts themselves appear false and negative.

— Herbert Marcuse One-Dimensional Man (1964)

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More quotes by Herbert Marcuse

Liberating tolerance, then, would mean intolerance against movements from the Right, and toleration of movements from the Left.

An Essay on Liberation (1969)

The present stage redefines the possibilities of man and nature in accordance with the new means available for their realization.

One-Dimensional Man (1964)

The avant-garde and the beatniks share in the function of entertaining without endangering the good conscience of the men of good will.

One-Dimensional Man (1964)

The happy consciousness is shaky enough—a thin surface over fear, frustration, and disgust.

One-Dimensional Man (1964)

The apparatus defeats its own purpose if its purpose is to create a humane existence on the basis of a humanized nature.

One-Dimensional Man (1964)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Herbert Marcuse (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.