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.
We are ever dying to one world and being born into another.
How smart does a chimpanzee have to be before killing him constitutes murder?
If the believers in liberty wish the principles of liberty taught, let them never intrust that instruction to any government; for the nature of government is to become a thing apart, an institution existing for its own sake, preying upon the people, and teaching whatever will tend to keep it secure in its seat.
Every man desires to live long, but no man wishes to be old.
The angry man wishes the object of his anger to suffer in return; hatred wishes its object not to exist.
Sooner or later, if man is ever to be worthy of his destiny, we must fill our hearts with tolerance.
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