Go ahead; take Kant's PROLEGOMENA TO ANY FUTURE METAPHYSIC and get it to show what he is telling. We would all be a lot happier.
This quote reflects a deep longing for clarity and accessibility in philosophical discourse. Immanuel Kant's "Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics" is known for its dense and complex treatment of metaphysical concepts, which can be daunting even to those with a solid background in philosophy. The suggestion to 'get it to show what he is telling' seems to express frustration with the opacity that often characterizes academic works, yearning instead for a straightforward revelation of meaning. This resonates beyond philosophy into any field where intricate ideas are conveyed, emphasizing the universal desire for transparent communication.
The idea that 'we would all be a lot happier' if such clarity were achievable implies that much of human dissatisfaction stems from misunderstanding or the inability to grasp profound truths due to convoluted presentation. In the context of Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within," this can be interpreted as a call for writers and thinkers to embrace a style that liberates rather than confounds, allowing insight to flow freely to the reader or audience. It's a reminder that the value of knowledge is not merely in its possession but in its effective transmission and shared understanding.
Furthermore, this quote subtly critiques the elite nature of academic knowledge, which often alienates individuals rather than empowering them. It challenges us as both writers and readers to seek and offer clarity, to dismantle barriers of jargon or obfuscation, and to pursue happier intellectual exchanges where ideas illuminate rather than intimidate. Ultimately, it's an encouragement toward writing and communication that fosters connection, comprehension, and collective happiness through shared enlightenment.