A German immersed in any civilization different from his own loses a weight equivalent in volume to the amount of intelligence he displaces.

The quote by José Bergamín reflects on the idea that a German—as a symbol of a particular culture—loses some of his intelligence or understanding when exposed to a civilization different from his own. Bergamín seems to be suggesting that when an individual encounters a foreign culture or way of life, they may experience a loss in their own familiar way of thinking, as the process of adapting to a new system of beliefs or knowledge might displace or diminish their previous intelligence. This perspective implies that the integration of new ideas may come with a price—something is lost as something new is gained.

Bergamín, a Spanish philosopher and essayist, often explored the concept of identity and cultural assimilation in his works. In this quote, he uses the example of a German, perhaps reflecting the specific cultural identity of Germany, to discuss broader ideas about how deeply embedded cultural beliefs and structures can affect a person’s intellectual capacity when exposed to other ways of thinking. The quote hints at the tension between cultural pride and the challenges of encountering diverse ideas and lifestyles.

The phrase "loses a weight equivalent in volume to the amount of intelligence he displaces" suggests that cultural assimilation or exposure to foreign civilizations requires a trade-off. While this shift may result in broader knowledge, it also risks losing the essence or the core values that define one’s original identity or intellectual framework. In this way, the loss of a previous worldview could diminish the clarity or focus of one's thought processes.

Ultimately, Bergamín’s quote is a meditation on the impact of cultural interaction and the cost of absorbing new perspectives. While it acknowledges the value of exposure to different civilizations, it also points to the inherent displacement that comes with cultural shifts, suggesting that our identities and intellectual abilities are shaped by the frameworks in which we are immersed.