Manhood of Humanity.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25457

Title

Manhood of Humanity.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Alfred Korzybski's 'Manhood of Humanity' proposes a revolutionary 'Human Engineering' philosophy, distinguishing humans as 'time-binding' beings distinct from 'space-binding' animals. The text argues that civilization's crises stem from applying animalistic standards to human problems. By integrating mathematics, biology, and engineering, Korzybski advocates for a scientific sociology that replaces destructive traditions with ethical laws based on the accumulation of knowledge across time.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Manhood of Humanity,' Alfred Korzybski introduces 'Human Engineering,' a unified science designed to resolve social and industrial conflicts by rigorously applying the concept of dimensions. Korzybski categorizes life into three distinct classes: plants as 'chemistry-binding,' animals as 'space-binding,' and humans as 'time-binding.' He argues that the fundamental error of current civilization is treating humans as animals, a mistake that has fueled wars and revolutions. True human progress is not merely survival but the 'survival of the fittest in time,' relying on the unique human capacity to record, recall, and build upon the accumulated knowledge of past generations. The book draws heavily on the works of engineers H. L. Gantt, Walter N. Polakov, Charles P. Steinmetz, and Robert B. Wolf, whose contributions form the cornerstones of this new philosophy. Korzybski critiques the 'space-binding' standards of the past, which prioritize immediate gain and individualistic pride, contrasting them with the 'time-binding' impulse to serve future humanity. He illustrates this distinction with engineering examples, noting that structures like bridges succeed only because they respect natural laws and the collective labor of countless generations, rather than individual ego. No engineer claims a wondrous discovery, such as modern electricity or transcontinental communication, as solely their own; these achievements are the result of 'bound-up time' and the work of dead men. The text explores the historical evolution of the human mind, tracing the shift from static, speculative thought to dynamic, scientific research. It highlights how the industrial age has created complex interdependencies requiring a new ethical framework. Korzybski emphasizes that education is the primary tool for humanity to control the magnitude of its progress, ensuring that the 'free gift' of time-binding capacity is utilized for welfare rather than destruction. He asserts that the old formula equating humans to animals plus a divine spark is mathematical nonsense. Instead, he proposes that for the human class of life, 'time-binding' is the natural law. The book calls for a readjustment of values to align with these natural laws, transforming discord into accord and destruction into construction. Ultimately, Korzybski urges mathematicians and engineers to use rigorous thinking to establish a scientific philosophy, sociology, and ethics that corrects ancestral mistakes and secures a unified science of man.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Psychology
• Philosophy