I think it was more about witnessing owls’ abilities to see in the dark and using that as a metaphor for understanding or whatever.
I think crows were considered bad omens back then.
Quote from Hegel from the wiki article (mentions the Owl of Minerva at the very end):
Philosophy, as the thought of the world, does not appear until reality has completed its formative process, and made itself ready. History thus corroborates the teaching of the conception that only in the maturity of reality does the ideal appear as counterpart to the real, apprehends the real world in its substance, and shapes it into an intellectual kingdom. When philosophy paints its grey in grey, one form of life has become old, and by means of grey it cannot be rejuvenated, but only known. The owl of Minerva takes its flight only when the shades of night are gathering.
— G.W.F. Hegel, Philosophy of Right (1820), “Preface”; translated by S W Dyde, 1896
The Athenian Owl has historically been used as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom and erudition. Pretty cool symbol.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owl_of_Athena
Too bad actual owls are morons. Should’ve used a crow.
I think it was more about witnessing owls’ abilities to see in the dark and using that as a metaphor for understanding or whatever.
I think crows were considered bad omens back then.
Quote from Hegel from the wiki article (mentions the Owl of Minerva at the very end):
— G.W.F. Hegel, Philosophy of Right (1820), “Preface”; translated by S W Dyde, 1896
In Old Norse mythology Odin had two ravens as his informants. Odin was the god of wisdom, having sacrificed one of his eyes in the well of Mimer.