Meaning: This quote by Hannah Arendt, a renowned political theorist and historian, encapsulates the paradox of newness in the face of statistical laws and probability. Arendt was known for her deep insights into human nature, politics, and the nature of power, and this quote reflects her astute observations about the emergence of novelty and its apparent miraculous nature.

The quote begins by highlighting the formidable challenge that the new faces - the overwhelming odds of statistical laws and their probability. Statistical laws are based on empirical observations and are used to predict the likelihood of certain events occurring. They form the basis of much of our understanding of the world and are often seen as representing a kind of certainty. In the realm of everyday life, these statistical laws often hold true and guide our expectations and decision-making. However, Arendt suggests that despite this apparent certainty, the new always manages to emerge.

Arendt's assertion that the new always appears in the guise of a miracle is a striking and thought-provoking claim. It speaks to the unexpected, seemingly inexplicable nature of novelty. In the face of statistical probability, the arrival of the new can defy our expectations and appear as something miraculous. This characterization of the new as a miracle challenges the deterministic view of the world that statistical laws can sometimes reinforce. It suggests that there is a dimension of human experience that transcends statistical predictability, introducing an element of surprise and wonder into the course of events.

One way to interpret Arendt's words is to consider the role of human agency and creativity in bringing about the new. Despite the constraints imposed by statistical laws and probability, human beings have the capacity to innovate, imagine, and bring forth new ideas, technologies, and ways of being. The creative spark that drives such endeavors may indeed appear miraculous when it disrupts the expected course of events. In this sense, the quote can be seen as a celebration of human ingenuity and the potential for transformation even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Furthermore, the reference to the new appearing in the guise of a miracle also invites reflection on the subjective experience of encountering novelty. For individuals, the experience of something new often carries a sense of awe and wonder. Whether it is a groundbreaking scientific discovery, a revolutionary work of art, or a transformative social movement, the new has the power to captivate and inspire. Arendt's choice of the word "miracle" evokes a sense of the extraordinary, suggesting that the emergence of the new holds a special significance in human consciousness.

From a historical perspective, Arendt's quote can also be understood as a commentary on the unpredictable nature of human history. Throughout the course of civilization, the emergence of new ideas, movements, and technologies has often defied the prevailing statistical probabilities and reshaped the trajectory of societies. The quote serves as a reminder that history is not simply a product of deterministic forces, but is also influenced by the capacity of individuals and groups to introduce transformative change.

In conclusion, Hannah Arendt's quote encapsulates the enigmatic nature of the new in the face of statistical laws and their probability. It challenges the notion of inevitability that statistical laws can convey and points to the remarkable, seemingly miraculous quality of novelty. Whether interpreted as a testament to human creativity, a reflection on the subjective experience of encountering the new, or a commentary on the unpredictability of history, the quote invites us to contemplate the profound implications of the emergence of the new amidst the backdrop of statistical certainty.