“The contingency of all into which time enters is the source of pathos, comedy, and tragedy.”

— John Dewey, Time and Individuality (1940)

About John Dewey

1859 – 1952

American philosopher and educational reformer.

“Art is not the possession of the few who are recognized writers, painters, musicians; it is the authentic expression of any and all individuality.”

“Cease conceiving of education as mere preparation for later life, and make it the full meaning of the present life.”

“Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.”

“The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.”

“If a man could half his wishes he would double his troubles.”

“Wit is cultured insolence.”

“Your race, in its poverty, has unquestionably one really effective weapon—laughter.”

“A sense of humour is a sense of proportion.”

“My way of joking is to tell the truth. It's the funniest joke in the world.”