We have not overthrown the divine right of kings to fall down for the divine right of experts.
Harold MacmillanRead
History is apt to judge harshly those who sacrifice tomorrow for today.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of considering long-term consequences over short-term gains.
Harold Macmillan's quote reflects on the tendency of history to be unforgiving towards individuals or societies that prioritize immediate gratification at the expense of future well-being. It serves as a cautionary reminder that choices made for short-term benefits can have lasting negative effects, urging us to adopt a more foresighted perspective in our decisions.
Themes
HistorySacrificeFutureConsequencesWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on sustainable development, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of making choices that benefit future generations.
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The wind of change is blowing through the continent. Whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact.
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