Meaning: Karl Jaspers, a prominent German psychiatrist and philosopher, expressed the idea that the great philosophers and their works serve as essential standards for understanding the history of philosophy. This quote encapsulates the significance of studying the great philosophers and their works, highlighting their enduring relevance and influence in shaping our understanding of philosophical thought.

In essence, Jaspers emphasizes that the study of philosophy is fundamentally rooted in the exploration of the ideas and contributions of the great philosophers throughout history. By acknowledging their significance as standards for selection, he underscores the importance of engaging with these seminal figures and their works to gain a deeper understanding of philosophical concepts and developments.

The notion that the great philosophers and their works are standards for selection implies that they represent the pinnacle of philosophical thought and serve as benchmarks against which other philosophical ideas and writings can be evaluated. This suggests that these figures and their works have enduring value and provide essential insights into the nature of philosophy itself.

Jaspers' emphasis on the better understanding of the great philosophers and their works through the study of the history of philosophy underscores the idea that their contributions are foundational to the discipline. By delving into the historical context, evolution, and interconnectedness of philosophical ideas, we can gain a more profound comprehension of the enduring impact and relevance of these influential figures and their works.

Furthermore, Jaspers' assertion that "everything we do in studying the history of philosophy ultimately serves their better understanding" highlights the central role that the study of history plays in elucidating the significance of the great philosophers and their works. By tracing the development of philosophical thought over time, we can discern the intellectual lineage and evolution of ideas that have shaped the discipline, thereby enhancing our appreciation of the enduring contributions of these influential figures.

Jaspers' perspective aligns with the broader scholarly endeavor to contextualize and critically engage with the ideas and writings of the great philosophers within the historical and intellectual landscape of philosophy. Through this approach, scholars and students alike can gain a comprehensive understanding of the enduring relevance and intellectual legacy of these seminal figures, thereby enriching their own philosophical inquiries and perspectives.

In conclusion, Karl Jaspers' quote underscores the enduring significance of the great philosophers and their works as essential standards for understanding the history of philosophy. By emphasizing the pivotal role of these figures in shaping the discipline and the importance of studying their contributions within their historical context, Jaspers highlights the enduring relevance and influence of the great philosophers in enriching our understanding of philosophical thought. This perspective serves as a compelling reminder of the enduring legacy and intellectual richness embodied by the great philosophers and their enduring impact on the trajectory of philosophical inquiry throughout history.