We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine.

The quote "We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine" by H. L. Mencken expresses a skeptical view of human knowledge and the limits of understanding. Mencken suggests that while we can be certain of our present existence—"here" and "now"—anything beyond that is uncertain, speculative, or unreliable. The term "moonshine" here refers to something that is fanciful, deceptive, or lacking in substance, implying that much of what is known or theorized about the future or the unknown is, in Mencken’s view, illusory or ungrounded.

Mencken’s philosophy aligns with his broader skeptical and often cynical perspective on society, culture, and human knowledge. He was known for his sharp criticisms of both political and intellectual trends, often questioning the validity and practicality of widely accepted ideas. This quote reflects his belief that much of what humans claim to know, particularly about things beyond immediate experience, is speculative at best.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Mencken’s work as a journalist, essayist, and social critic in the early 20th century. His writings often focused on challenging conventional wisdom and questioning the assumptions of modern society. In this context, the quote serves as an example of his disdain for pretensions of knowledge, particularly those that attempt to explain or predict things that lie beyond human comprehension.

Ultimately, Mencken’s message is that human knowledge has its limits, and we should be cautious about relying too heavily on abstract theories or predictions. The only certainty we truly possess is the immediate moment, and beyond that, much of what is claimed as knowledge is speculative and unreliable.