This civilization is rapidly passing away, however. Let us rejoice or else lament the fact as much as everyone of us likes; but do not let us shut our eyes to it.
Interpretation
Schumpeter points out that while civilization may be declining, we should acknowledge this reality instead of ignoring it.
In this quote, Joseph A. Schumpeter reflects on the transient nature of civilization, urging individuals to either celebrate or mourn its decline, but most importantly, to recognize and confront this truth rather than turning a blind eye to it. This statement prompts deep contemplation about societal changes and the acceptance of life’s impermanence.
In practice
In a discussion about societal changes, this quote can highlight the importance of facing the truth.
Capitalism stands its trial before judges who have the sentence of death in their pockets. They are going to pass it, whatever the defense they may hear; the only success victorious defense can possibly produce is a change in the indictment.
We always plan too much and always think too little.
The function of entrepreneurs is to reform or revolutionize the pattern of production by exploiting an invention or, more generally, an untried technological possibility for producing a new commodity or producing an old one in a new way, by opening up a new source of supply of materials or a new outlet for products, by reorganizing an industry and so on.
It is however always important to remember that the ability to see things in their correct perspective may be, and often is, divorced from the ability to reason correctly and vice versa. That is why a man may be a very good theorist and yet talk absolute nonsense.
Capitalism inevitably and by virtue of the very logic of its civilization creates, educates and subsidizes a vested interest in social unrest.
Recognition of the inevitability of comprehensive bureaucratization does not solve the problems that arise out of it.
A critique does not consist in saying that things aren't good the way they are. It consists in seeing on just what type of assumptions, of familiar notions, of established and unexamined ways of thinking the accepted practices are based... To do criticism is to make harder those acts which are now too easy.
They themselves mocked Africa, trading stories of absurdity, of stupidity, and they felt safe to mock, because it was a mockery born of longing, and of the heartbroken desire to see a place made whole again.
We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer.
The church is not a political power; it's not a party, but it's a moral power.
And if my present deeds are foolish in thy sight, it may be that a foolish judge arraigns my folly.
I love to talk about cooking and recipes, but I love as much talking about how food and cooking can change the world.
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