Meaning: The quote by Edmund Husserl, a German philosopher and the founder of phenomenology, reflects his criticism of the prevalent approach of philosophers during his time. Husserl believed that philosophers were too quick to critique and judge the world from a detached, lofty position, without truly immersing themselves in the understanding of the phenomena they were studying. Instead, he argued that philosophers should strive to comprehend and grasp the essence of things from within, through a process of deep and rigorous examination.

Husserl's critique can be understood in the context of the philosophical landscape of his time. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many philosophers were engaged in abstract and speculative theorizing, often disconnected from concrete experiences and empirical observations. This trend was particularly evident in the dominant philosophical schools of the time, such as idealism and positivism, which tended to prioritize theoretical frameworks and conceptual analysis over direct engagement with the phenomena of the world.

In contrast to this prevailing approach, Husserl sought to redirect the focus of philosophy towards a more rigorous and disciplined study of phenomena as they appear in consciousness. He emphasized the importance of phenomenological description, which involves the careful examination of the structures and essences of conscious experiences without preconceived theoretical assumptions. By engaging in this method of inquiry, Husserl aimed to uncover the fundamental aspects of human experience and consciousness, thereby grounding philosophy in the lived reality of individuals.

The notion of studying and understanding things from within, as advocated by Husserl, aligns with the foundational principles of phenomenology. Phenomenology, as a philosophical method, emphasizes the suspension of preconceived beliefs and judgments in order to approach phenomena with open-mindedness and attentiveness. Through the process of phenomenological reduction, philosophers are encouraged to bracket out their assumptions and interpretations, allowing the phenomena to reveal themselves in their pure givenness.

Husserl's call for understanding things from within also resonates with the concept of empathy, which is essential to phenomenological investigation. In phenomenology, empathy involves the ability to grasp the experiences and perspectives of others by imaginatively placing oneself in their situation. By cultivating empathy, philosophers can gain deeper insights into the meanings and structures of human experiences, thereby enriching their understanding of the phenomena under investigation.

Furthermore, Husserl's critique of philosophers offering criticism from on high can be seen as a challenge to the traditional role of the philosopher as a detached, objective observer. Instead, he urged philosophers to actively engage with the world and its phenomena, adopting a participatory stance that involves immersion and empathy. This approach aligns with the phenomenological emphasis on the embodied and situated nature of human existence, highlighting the interconnectedness between the philosopher and the phenomena being studied.

In summary, Husserl's quote encapsulates his call for a fundamental reorientation of philosophical inquiry, emphasizing the importance of studying and understanding things from within through the lens of phenomenology. By critiquing the prevalent mode of detached criticism and advocating for a more immersive and empathetic approach to philosophy, Husserl sought to revitalize the discipline by grounding it in the lived experiences of individuals and the richness of the phenomena they encounter. His insights continue to inspire contemporary philosophical investigations, particularly within the phenomenological tradition, as scholars seek to uncover the essential structures of human consciousness and existence.