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
In my youth I stressed freedom, and in my old age I stress order. I have made the great discovery that liberty is a product of order.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the evolution of one's perspective on liberty and order over time.
Will Durant reflects on the transformation of his values from a youthful emphasis on freedom to an older appreciation for order. He suggests that true liberty cannot exist without a foundational structure of order, indicating that the balance between freedom and societal rules is essential for a harmonious life.
Themes
FreedomOrderLibertyYouthAgeDiscipline
In practice
Example use cases
During a college lecture on philosophy, quoting this to illustrate the development of personal values over a lifetime.
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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