Meaning: Henri Bergson, a renowned French philosopher, introduces a profound concept in this quote, delving into the nature of perception and representation. He uses the analogy of a runner to illustrate how numerous individual movements can be condensed into a single symbolic attitude. This concept not only has implications for our understanding of visual art but also provides a meaningful insight into the nature of human perception and the role of art in capturing essential truths about the world.

Bergson's analogy of the runner's successive positions being contracted into a single symbolic attitude invites contemplation on the nature of time and perception. He suggests that our perception and representation of the runner's movement is not simply a linear aggregation of individual moments, but rather a compression or condensation of these moments into a unified whole. This idea challenges the conventional understanding of time as a series of discrete moments, instead proposing a more holistic and integrated view of temporal experience.

The notion that our eye perceives this symbolic attitude of a running man implies that our visual perception is not merely a passive recording of isolated events but is actively involved in synthesizing and interpreting the world around us. Bergson's emphasis on the role of perception in shaping our understanding of reality aligns with his broader philosophical inquiry into the nature of consciousness and the ways in which we apprehend the world.

Furthermore, Bergson highlights the role of art in reproducing this symbolic attitude of the running man. Through artistic representation, whether in painting, sculpture, or any other medium, the essence of the runner's movement can be captured and communicated to others. This raises questions about the capacity of art to transcend the limitations of literal representation and convey deeper truths or essences that resonate with the human experience. Bergson's ideas invite contemplation on the transformative power of art and its ability to distill complex phenomena into accessible and evocative forms.

The quote also suggests a universality in the symbolic attitude of the running man, as Bergson states that it becomes "for everyone the image of a man who runs." This universality speaks to the potential of certain symbols or representations to transcend cultural and individual differences, resonating with people across diverse backgrounds. It underscores the capacity of art to communicate fundamental aspects of human experience that transcend specific contexts or narratives.

In the broader context of Bergson's philosophy, this quote resonates with his exploration of duration, intuition, and the nature of consciousness. Bergson's concept of duration challenges conventional notions of time as a homogeneous, measurable entity, proposing instead that time is inherently qualitative and indivisible. The condensation of the runner's movements into a symbolic attitude aligns with Bergson's emphasis on the indivisibility of time and the interconnectedness of past, present, and future.

In conclusion, Henri Bergson's quote encapsulates profound insights into the nature of perception, representation, and the transformative power of art. By using the analogy of a running man, Bergson invites us to reconsider our understanding of time, perception, and the ways in which art captures essential truths about the world. This thought-provoking quote continues to inspire contemplation on the nature of human experience and the enduring significance of art in shaping our understanding of the world.