If I were asked under what sky the human mind…has most deeply pondered over the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions to some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant-I should point to India. And if I were to ask myself from what literature we who have been nurtured almost exclusively on the thoughts of Greeks and Romans, and of one Semitic race, the Jewish, may draw the corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human a life…again I should point to India. Max Müller
Max Müller highlights India's profound contribution to philosophical thought, suggesting that it is a significant place where the human mind has engaged with life's deepest questions. He believes that the insights gained from Indian philosophy deserve serious consideration, even among those familiar with the ideas of renowned philosophers like Plato and Kant. This indicates the depth and relevance of Indian thought in addressing existential problems.
Moreover, Müller suggests that Western intellectual traditions, which heavily draw from Greek, Roman, and Jewish influences, can find a valuable corrective in Indian literature. He argues that this literature enriches our understanding of what it means to lead a comprehensive and universal life. Thus, he posits that engagement with Indian philosophy could enhance our inner lives, making them more humane and connected to universal truths.
