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
The only real revolution is in the enlightenment of the mind and the improvement of character, the only real emancipation is individual, and the only real revolutionists are philosophers and saints.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True change comes from within through self-improvement and enlightenment.
Will Durant emphasizes that the most profound revolutions in society are not political but rather intellectual and moral. He argues that true freedom arises from the individual's enlightenment and character enhancement, and that those who drive such change are philosophers and saints who inspire others to pursue a higher consciousness and ethical living.
Themes
RevolutionEnlightenmentMindCharacterEmancipationPhilosophersSaints
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be perfect in a discussion about personal growth during a motivational seminar.
More from Will Durant
All quotes →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.
Will DurantRead
If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
Will DurantRead
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.
Will DurantRead
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.
Will DurantRead
When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
Will DurantRead
Similar quotes
It's a constant man-ego-check going on in the streets, in this world.
Tupac ShakurRead
I agree today that a man has no business trying to tell women what their characteristics are, which ones are inborn, which are more admirable, which will be best utilized by what occupations.
Benjamin SpockRead
I am interested in madness. I believe it is the biggest thing in the human race, and the most constant. How do you take away from a man his madness without also taking away his identity? Are we sure it is desirable for a man's spirit not to be at war with itself, or that it is better to be serene and ready to go to dinner than to be excited and unwilling to stop for a cup of coffee, even?
William SaroyanRead
In the tale, in the telling, we are all one blood.
Ursula K. Le GuinRead
Not to know what happened before you were born is to be a child forever. For what is the time of a man, except it be interwoven with that memory of ancient things of a superior age?
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
There is no more great men; there is only great committees.
Marshall McluhanRead