Meaning: This quote by George Santayana encapsulates a fundamental truth about the nature of philosophical discourse and the expectations that arise within the philosophical community. It highlights the tendency of philosophers to hold their peers to exceptionally high standards and to be critical of their work and ideas. The quote suggests that this severity stems from the lofty expectations philosophers have for one another, which can lead to a culture of rigorous scrutiny and critique.

George Santayana, a Spanish-born American philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist, was known for his insightful and often pithy observations about human nature, society, and the pursuit of knowledge. Born in 1863, Santayana lived through a period of significant intellectual and philosophical ferment, and his own work reflects a deep engagement with the philosophical currents of his time.

In the context of Santayana's quote, the "severity" that philosophers exhibit towards each other can be understood as a manifestation of the demanding nature of philosophical inquiry. Philosophers, by the very nature of their discipline, are engaged in the pursuit of truth and the exploration of fundamental questions about existence, morality, knowledge, and the nature of reality. As a result, they are often held to a high standard of rigor and precision in their thinking and argumentation.

The expectation that philosophers "expect too much" from each other speaks to the rigorous standards that are applied within the philosophical community. Philosophers are expected to demonstrate clarity and coherence in their ideas, to engage with the work of their predecessors and contemporaries, and to subject their arguments to rigorous scrutiny. This culture of high expectations can contribute to an environment in which philosophers are inclined to be severe in their judgments of one another's work.

One interpretation of Santayana's quote is that the severity of philosophers towards each other is a reflection of the intense intellectual stakes involved in philosophical inquiry. The pursuit of truth and the quest for a deeper understanding of the world can be a daunting and humbling endeavor, and philosophers may feel a sense of urgency and seriousness about the task at hand. In this context, the severity that philosophers exhibit towards each other can be seen as a reflection of their shared commitment to upholding the highest standards of intellectual rigor and integrity.

However, it is also worth considering the potential drawbacks of this culture of severity within the philosophical community. While high standards of intellectual rigor are undoubtedly important for the advancement of philosophy, an excessively critical and unforgiving environment can stifle creativity and innovation. If philosophers are too severe towards one another, it may create a climate in which individuals are hesitant to put forward bold or unconventional ideas for fear of harsh criticism.

Moreover, the culture of severity within philosophy may also contribute to a lack of diversity and inclusivity within the discipline. If philosophers are overly critical of ideas that deviate from the established norms or challenge existing paradigms, it can create barriers to entry for individuals from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. This, in turn, can limit the range of perspectives and approaches that are brought to bear on philosophical questions, ultimately impoverishing the discipline as a whole.

In conclusion, George Santayana's quote about the severity of philosophers towards one another offers a thought-provoking insight into the dynamics of philosophical discourse. It highlights the demanding nature of philosophical inquiry and the high standards to which philosophers hold each other. While this severity may be rooted in a shared commitment to intellectual rigor, it also raises important questions about the potential drawbacks of a culture of relentless critique. As philosophers continue to grapple with these challenges, Santayana's quote serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of philosophical inquiry.