Literary notes about necessary (AI summary)
In literature, the word "necessary" is employed in diverse ways to underscore inevitabilities, requirements, or conditions that must be met. At times, it functions as a logical marker, indicating that a particular step or element is indispensable to an argument or process, as seen in philosophical texts where it denotes a conceptual prerequisite ([1], [2], [3]). In other contexts, it highlights material or practical needs—from provisioning an army in abundance ([4]) or orchestrating economic consequences ([5]), to conveying a social or emotional obligation, as when characters act out of what is deemed essential to personal or collective conduct ([6], [7]). This rich semantic versatility allows authors to address both abstract principles and concrete necessities, bridging the realms of rational discourse and narrative immediacy.
- If the one is possible, so is the other; for reason recognizes that alone as absolutely necessary which is necessary from its conception.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - I understand by idea a necessary conception of reason, to which no corresponding object can be discovered in the world of sense.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - Grant that either the world itself is necessary, or that there is contained in it a necessary existence.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - able to supply his whole army with provisions, and everything necessary for the campaign in abundance.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - This change may be regarded as the necessary, though very late consequence of the extraordinary encouragement given to the industry of the towns.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - That’s necessary for the people,” said the first.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - "Not at all necessary," said Lady Caroline, with an indulgent smile.
— from A True Friend: A Novel by Adeline Sergeant
