Georg Simmel

Sociologist Philosopher German 1858 – 1918

German sociologist who analyzed social forms and wrote on money and modernity.

385 quotes

"The deepest problems of modern life derive from the claim of the individual to preserve the autonomy and individuality of his existence in the face of overwhelming social forces."
Philosophy
"Society is a web of relationships constantly being woven and rewoven by its members."
Relationships
"The stranger is near and far at the same time."
Solitude
"Fashion is the form of social life."
"Conflict is the form in which differences are expressed and resolved."
Change
"We are not ourselves."
"The metropolis creates the typical conditions for artistic freedom."
Art
"Life is enriched by distance from others."
Solitude
"Money is the most objective manifestation of human exchange."
Money
"A person can never achieve true individuality without being in relation to others."
Relationships
"The intersection of social circles creates the individual."
Philosophy
"Loyalty is the modern form of relationship."
Friendship
"Secret keeping is the first precondition of civilized society."
Wisdom
"The great danger of the city is loneliness amidst millions."
Life
"Art achieves beauty through form, not content."
Art
"Love transcends the boundaries of reason."
Love
"Knowledge is power, but power requires knowledge."
Knowledge
"Truth is the meeting point of individual and society."
Truth
"The aristocracy of the intellect knows no boundaries."
Leadership
"Time is the medium through which life unfolds."
Time
"Beauty exists in the harmony of parts."
Beauty
"Work gives meaning to existence."
Work
"Dreams reveal the hidden desires of the soul."
Dreams
"Humor dissolves social tension."
Humor
"Death gives life its meaning."
Death
"Perseverance is the engine of achievement."
Perseverance
"Gratitude binds people together."
Gratitude
"Creativity emerges from the synthesis of opposites."
Creativity
"Justice requires understanding multiple perspectives."
Justice
"Patience is the wisdom of waiting."
Patience