Solitude lies at the lowest depth of the human condition. Man is the only being who feels himself to be alone and the only one who is searching for the Other.
Octavio PazRead
Changes are inseparable from democracy. To defend democracy is to defend the possibility of change; in turn, changes alone can strengthen democracy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy thrives on the ability to change and evolve.
Octavio Paz emphasizes the intrinsic connection between democracy and change, suggesting that defending democracy inherently involves supporting the potential for change. Furthermore, he asserts that change itself is vital for the reinforcement and vitality of democratic systems, illustrating that adaptability is fundamental for a thriving democratic society.
Themes
DemocracyChangeDefenseStrengthenEvolution
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic engagement, one might mention this quote to highlight the importance of advocating for change within democratic contexts.
More from Octavio Paz
All quotes βBy suppressing differences and peculiarities, by eliminating different civilizations and cultures, progress weakens life and favors death
Octavio PazRead
The North American system only wants to consider the positive aspects of reality. Men and women are subjected from childhood to an inexorable process of adaptation certain principles, contained in brief formulas are endlessly repeated by the Press, the radio, the churches, and the schools, and by those kindly, sinister beings, the North American mothers and wives. A person imprisoned by these schemes is like a plant in a flowerpot too small for it he cannot grow or mature.
Octavio PazRead
Poetry is not a genre in harmony with the modern world; its innermost nature is hostile or indifferent to the dogmas of modern times, progress and the cult of the future.
Octavio PazRead
If we are a metaphor of the universe, the human couple is the metaphor par excellence, the point of intersection of all forces and the seed of all forms. The couple is time recaptured, the return to the time before time.
Octavio PazRead
Man, even man debased by the neocapitalism and pseudosocialism of our time, is a marvelous being because he sometimes speaks. Language is the mark, the sign, not of his fall but of his original innocence. Through the Word we may regain the lost kingdom and recover powers we possessed in the far-distant past.
Octavio PazRead
Similar quotes
We live in a quick-fix society where we need instant gratification for everything. Too fat? Get lipo-sucked. Stringy hair? Glue on extensions. Wrinkles and lines? Head to the beauty shop for a pot of the latest miracle skin stuff. It's all a beautiful Β£1 billion con foisted upon insecure women by canny cosmetic conglomerates.
Joan CollinsRead
The full horror of what has happened in the United States earlier today is now becoming clearer. It is hard even to contemplate the utter carnage and terror which has engulfed so many innocent people. We've offered President Bush and the American people our solidarity, our profound sympathy, and our prayers. But it is plain that citizens of many countries round the world, including Britain, will have been caught up in this terror.
Tony BlairRead
We will remember that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast, from sea to shining sea:- Yes. We. Can.
Barack ObamaRead
Perhaps somewhere, someplace deep inside your being, you have undergone important changes while you were sad.
Rainer Maria RilkeRead
Movement has the capacity to take us to the home _x000D_ of the soul, the world within for which we have _x000D_ no name. Movement reaches our deepest nature, _x000D_ and dance creatively expresses it. Through dance, _x000D_ we gain new insights into the mystery of our lives. _x000D_ When brought forth from the inside and forged by _x000D_ the desire to create personal change, dance has the _x000D_ profound power to heal the body, psyche and soul.
Anna HalprinRead
From today I am no longer a racing driver. I'm retired and I am very happy.
Jackie StewartRead