A modern theory of knowledge which takes account of the relational as distinct from the merely relative character of all historical knowledge must start with the assumption that there are spheres of thought in which it is impossible to conceive of absolute truth existing independently of the values and position of the subject and unrelated to the social context.
Karl MannheimFor progressive people the present is the beginning of the future. For conservative people the present is the end of the past.
Karl MannheimAll knowledge is oriented toward some object and is influenced in its approach by the nature of the object with which it is pre-occupied. But the mode of approach to the object to be known is dependent upon the nature of the knower.
Karl MannheimBehind every rational and irrational force in human society there is a social mechanism which determines where it is to appear and what forms it is to take.
Karl MannheimAs long as one does not call his own position into question but regards it as absolute, while interpreting his opponents' ideas as a mere function of the social positions they occupy, the decisive step forward has not yet been taken.
Karl Mannheim