Nature smiles at the union of freedom and equality in our utopias. For freedom and equality are sworn and everlasting enemies, and when one prevails the other dies.
Will DurantRead
We Americans are the best informed people on earth as to the events of the last twenty-four hours; we are the not the best informed as the events of the last sixty centuries.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights that while Americans may be well-informed about recent news, they lack knowledge of historical events.
Will Durant emphasizes the paradox of modern society's access to information. Although people today can quickly learn about the latest news, they are often ill-informed about the deeper historical contexts that shape our present. This suggests a need for better historical education in the face of the overwhelming stream of contemporary news.
Themes
InformationHistoryEducationSocietyAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of history classes in schools.
More from Will Durant
All quotes βThe greatest question of our time is not communism vs. individualism, not Europe vs. America, not even the East vs. the West; it is whether men can bear to live without God.
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If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
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Philosophy is harmonized knowledge making a harmonious life; it is the self-discipline which lifts us to serenity and freedom. Knowledge is power, but only wisdom is liberty.
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If you wish to be loved, be modest; if you wish to be admired, be proud; if you wish both, combine external modesty with internal pride.
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When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
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