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
A cat has a reputation to protect. If it had a halo, it would be worn cocked to one side.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that cats maintain a certain image and individuality, even in a hypothetical idealistic state.
Will Durant's quote humorously reflects the nature of cats, implying that they are aware of their reputation and carry a unique personality. The mention of a halo, typically a symbol of purity, being worn 'cocked to one side' emphasizes the idea that cats, even when seen in a positive light, still embrace their quirky, independent characteristics.
In practice
During a speech about individuality, one could refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself.
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.
As long as we insist on relating to it strictly on our own terms-as strange to us or subject to us-the wilderness is alien, threatening, fearful. We have no choice then but to become its exploiters, and to lose, by consequence, our place in it. It is only when, by humility, openness, generosity, courage, we make ourselves able to relate to it on its terms that it ceases to be alien.
We have to see that the human person needs the infinite. If God's not there, if the infinite isn't available, the human person creates its own paradises, giving the appearance of 'infinitude' that can only be a lie.
He look'd in years, yet in his years were seen A youthful vigor, and autumnal green.
Question: What is the opposite of faith? Not disbelief. Too final, certain, closed. Itself is a kind of belief. Doubt.
Sometimes I am asked if I know 'the response to Auschwitz; I answer that not only do I not know it, but that I don't even know if a tragedy of this magnitude has a response.
Purity of morals [is] the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country.
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