Meaning: Karl Jaspers, a German-Swiss psychiatrist and philosopher, is known for his contributions to existentialism and psychopathology. The quote you provided reflects his views on the study of philosophy and the importance of engaging with its historical texts in a practical and living manner.

In the quote, Jaspers asserts that philosophy is not merely a theoretical exercise but a practical endeavor. It is not enough to approach the history of philosophy with a detached or purely academic attitude. Instead, he argues that there is a demand to know the manner in which its history is to be studied, implying that a more active and engaged approach is required.

Jaspers emphasizes the importance of a theoretical attitude becoming real through the living appropriation of philosophical contents from the texts. This suggests that the study of philosophy should involve a dynamic and immersive process of engaging with the ideas and concepts presented in philosophical texts. It is not enough to passively read or analyze these texts; rather, the reader must actively appropriate and embody the philosophical content in a way that brings it to life.

By emphasizing the living appropriation of philosophical contents, Jaspers advocates for a more experiential and personal approach to the study of philosophy. He suggests that true understanding and realization of philosophical concepts can only occur through a process of internalization and active engagement with the texts. This aligns with the existentialist emphasis on individual experience and personal engagement with the world.

Furthermore, Jaspers' emphasis on the living appropriation of philosophical contents from texts underscores the idea that philosophy is not a static or purely historical discipline. Instead, it is a living and evolving tradition that continues to have relevance and significance in the present. By engaging with philosophical texts in a meaningful and personal way, individuals can draw from the insights of the past to inform their understanding of the world and their own existence.

Jaspers' perspective on the study of philosophy also highlights the idea that philosophical inquiry is not separate from lived experience. Instead, it is intimately connected to the human experience and should be approached in a manner that acknowledges its practical implications. This approach aligns with Jaspers' broader philosophical concerns, including his interest in existentialism and the exploration of human existence and consciousness.

In summary, Karl Jaspers' quote underscores the practical and experiential nature of the study of philosophy. It emphasizes the living appropriation of philosophical contents from texts as a necessary component of engaging with the history of philosophy. By embracing a more active and personal approach to philosophical inquiry, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of philosophical concepts and their relevance to the lived experience. Jaspers' perspective serves as a reminder that philosophy is not simply an academic pursuit but a vital and dynamic practice with the potential to enrich and illuminate our understanding of the world.