Meaning: The quote "Our reason arises, at the very least, from this twofold lesson of sensuous revelations and human testimonies" by Johann Hamann encapsulates the complex relationship between reason, sensory perceptions, and human experiences. Johann Hamann, also known as the "Magus of the North," was a German philosopher and a key figure in the Sturm und Drang movement during the 18th century. His ideas and writings had a profound influence on later philosophers, including Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, and he is often regarded as a forerunner of the Romantic movement.

In this quote, Hamann is highlighting the foundational role of sensory experiences and human testimonies in shaping human reason. He suggests that our capacity for reasoning is grounded, at the very least, in the lessons derived from sensory perceptions and human interactions. This viewpoint challenges the traditional Enlightenment notion of reason as solely based on abstract principles and rational deductions. Instead, Hamann emphasizes the importance of embodied experiences and the testimonies of others in shaping our understanding of the world.

The "sensuous revelations" referred to in the quote point to the fundamental role of sensory perception in shaping human understanding. Our senses, including sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing, provide us with direct and immediate access to the world around us. Through our sensory experiences, we gather information about the physical, material, and sensual aspects of reality. Hamann suggests that these sensuous revelations form the basis for our reasoning, as they provide the raw material from which we construct our understanding of the world.

In addition to sensuous revelations, Hamann also emphasizes the significance of "human testimonies" in shaping human reason. Human testimonies encompass the diverse narratives, experiences, and perspectives shared by individuals within a community. These testimonies include personal accounts, cultural traditions, historical narratives, and interpersonal interactions that contribute to the formation of our understanding of the world. By acknowledging the importance of human testimonies, Hamann highlights the social and communal nature of human reasoning, emphasizing that our capacity for reason is deeply intertwined with our interactions with others.

The twofold lesson of sensuous revelations and human testimonies suggests that our reason is not solely a product of individual, abstract contemplation, but is deeply rooted in our embodied experiences and social interactions. By drawing attention to these foundational elements, Hamann challenges the prevailing rationalist paradigms of his time and offers a more holistic understanding of human reason.

In conclusion, Johann Hamann's quote "Our reason arises, at the very least, from this twofold lesson of sensuous revelations and human testimonies" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of human reasoning. By highlighting the significance of sensory experiences and human testimonies, Hamann underscores the embodied and social dimensions of reason, challenging traditional Enlightenment views of rationality. His insights continue to stimulate philosophical discussions about the nature of reason and the role of sensory perceptions and human experiences in shaping our understanding of the world.