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
Liberty is a luxury of security; the free individual is a product and a mark of civilization.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Liberty requires a secure environment and reflects the advancements of civilization.
This quote by Will Durant emphasizes that true liberty is not merely the absence of restraint but is closely tied to the presence of security provided by a civilized society. It suggests that as a society becomes more developed and structured, the freedom of individuals flourishes, indicating that both liberty and civilization are interdependent.
Themes
LibertySecurityCivilizationFreedomSociety
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote to inspire a speech on the importance of maintaining societal security for individual freedoms.
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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