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, of historical heritage, of external culture, and of the technique of life. Georg Simmel autonomyclaimculture share on social
Every relationship between persons causes a picture of each to take form in the mind of the other, and this picture evidently is in reciprocal relationship with that personal relationship. Georg Simmel evidentlyformmind Change image and share on social
Every superior personality, and every superior performance, has, for the average of mankind, something mysterious. Georg Simmel averagemankindmysterious Change image and share on social
For this reason, strangers are not really conceived as individuals, but as strangers of a particular type: the element of distance is no less general in regard to them than the element of nearness. Georg Simmel conceivedistanceelement Change image and share on social
Discretion is nothing other than the sense of justice with respect to the sphere of the intimate contents of life. Georg Simmel contentdiscretionintimate Change image and share on social
For the metropolis presents the peculiar conditions which are revealed to us as the opportunities and the stimuli for the development of both these ways of allocating roles to men. Georg Simmel allocateconditiondevelopment Change image and share on social
For, to be a stranger is naturally a very positive relation; it is a specific form of interaction. Georg Simmel forminteractionnaturally Change image and share on social
In the latter case life rests upon a thousand presuppositions which the individual can never trace back to their origins, and verify; but which he must accept upon faith and belief. Georg Simmel acceptbackbelief Change image and share on social
Modern culture is constantly growing more objective. Its tissues grow more and more out of impersonal energies, and absorb less and less the subjective entirety of the individual. Georg Simmel absorbconstantlyculture Change image and share on social
Man's nature, originally good and common to all, should develop unhampered. Georg Simmel commondevelopgood Change image and share on social