The Wisdom of Alfred North Whitehead

Alfred North Whitehead, the English-born mathematician and philosopher, was the teacher and mentor of my teacher and mentor, the Rev. Dr. Allen O. Miller. Dr. Miller studied with Dr. Whitehead at Harvard University; I studied with Dr. Miller at Eden Theological Seminary.

Dr. Miller often quoted Dr. Whitehead. Although he didn’t directly teach Whitehead’s most significant theological contribution, Process Philosophy, I learned much about the concept from Dr. Miller. I have found myself quoting Alfred North Whitehead often during my post-seminary life, although I have not always realized that my words were based on the words of Whitehead that I received via Dr. Miller.

The other day I came across a list of quotations attributed to Alfred North Whitehead and was amazed at how many ideas and concepts that I recognized from my own use. Below are some of Whitehead’s words that I have incorporated into my own life and philosophy:

A clash of doctrines is not a disaster—it is an opportunity.

Everything of importance has been said before by somebody who did not discover it.

It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.

Art flourishes where there is a sense of adventure.

Seek simplicity, and distrust it.

The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.

The poet, the artist, the sleuth - whoever sharpens our perception tends to be antisocial... he cannot go along with currents and trends.

The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them.

The absolute pacifist is a bad citizen; times come when force must be used to uphold right, justice and ideals.

There are no whole truths; all truths are half-truths. It is trying to treat them as whole truths that plays the devil.

Civilizations can only be understood by those who are civilized.

Man can acquire accomplishments or he can become an animal, whichever he wants. God makes the animals, man makes himself.

Speak out in acts; the time for words has passed, and only deeds will suffice.

What is morality in any given time or place? It is what the majority then and there happen to like and immorality is what they dislike.

And, finally, there is this gem of wisdom from Alfred North Whitehead that until just a few years ago, when I became the property of Alex, I did not understand:

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer. ~ Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947)