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In order to see the relation between philosophy as rigorous science and the alternative to it clearly, one must look at the political conflict between the two antagonists, i.e. at the essential character of that conflict.

— Leo Strauss Philosophy as Rigorous Science and Political Philosophy (1971)

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More quotes by Leo Strauss

The problem inherent in the surface of things, and only in the surface of things, is the heart of things.

Thoughts on Machiavelli (1958)

The silence of a wise man is always meaningful.

Thoughts on Machiavelli (1958)

It is of the essence of traditions that they cover or conceal their humble foundations by erecting impressive edifices on them.

Natural Right and History (1953)

It is as absurd to expect members of philosophy departments to be philosophers as it is to expect members of art departments to be artists.

Liberalism: Ancient and Modern (1968)

Philosophizing means, then, to ascend from public dogma to essentially private knowledge.

Natural Right and History (1953)

All Leo Strauss quotes →

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