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
Truth always originates in a minority of one, and every custom begins as a broken precedent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true ideas often start with single individuals and that traditions often start by breaking established norms.
Will Durant's quote emphasizes the idea that innovation and truth often come from a single individual's perspective, challenging the status quo. It highlights how societal norms and customs emerge when individuals dare to deviate from established traditions, thus inviting change and progress from what was once considered unconventional.
Themes
TruthMinorityCustomsPrecedentInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social change, one could use this quote to illustrate how new ideas often start from individuals challenging the norm.
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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Faith, in the sense in which I am here using the word, is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.
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My uncle ordered popovers from the restaurant's bill of fare. And, when they were served, he regarded them with a penetrating stare. Then he spoke great words of wisdom as he sat there on that chair: "To eat these things," said my uncle, "You must exercise great care. You may swallow down what's solid, but you must spit out the air!" And as you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.
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