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
Man became free when he recognized that he was subject to law.
Interpretation
Freedom comes from understanding and accepting the laws that govern us.
This quote by Will Durant suggests that true freedom is achieved not through the absence of constraints, but through the awareness of the laws that structure society and our lives. Recognizing one's subjugation to these laws allows individuals to navigate their existence with both responsibility and liberty, highlighting the paradox that freedom is often intertwined with limits.
In practice
In a discussion about civil rights, this quote emphasizes the importance of understanding legal frameworks.
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.
The 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.
If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
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.
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.
When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
Non-violence means dialogue, using our language, the human language. Dialogue means compromise; respecting each other’s rights; in the spirit of reconciliation there is a real solution to conflict and disagreement. There is no hundred percent winner, no hundred percent loser—not that way but half-and-half. That is the practical way, the only way.
Guilt, regret, resentment, sadness & all forms of nonforgiveness are caused by too much past & not enough presence.
Language should almost break up or explode in its fruitless effort to contain so many meanings.
We are called to live our baptism every day, as new creatures, clothed in Christ.
An intellectual hatred is the worst, So let her think opinions are accursed. Have I not seen the loveliest woman born Out of the mouth of Plenty's horn, Because of her opinionated mind Barter that horn and every good By quiet natures understood For an old bellows full of angry wind?
A house built on granite and strong foundations, not even the onslaught of pouring rain, gushing torrents and strong winds will be able to pull down. Some people have written the story of my life representing as truth what in fact derives from ignorance, error or envy; but they cannot shake the truth from its place, even if they attempt to make others believe it.
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