American politics is a struggle, not of men but of forces. The men become every year more and more creatures of force, massed about central power houses.
Henry AdamsRead
Church and State, Soul and Body, God and Man, are all one at Mont Saint Michel, and the business of all is to fight, each in his own way, or to stand guard for each other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests a harmonious relationship between different elements of existence that have their own roles in supporting each other.
Henry Adams emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of life—such as spirituality, governance, and human relationships—using Mont Saint Michel as a metaphorical backdrop. He suggests that while each component may have its own responsibilities and methods of engagement, they collectively contribute to a greater purpose of mutual protection and support.
Themes
InterconnectednessSupportHarmonyBalanceCollaboration
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about civic responsibility, one might say, 'As Henry Adams noted, each of us has a role to play in supporting one another.'
More from Henry Adams
All quotes →Of all studies, the one he would rather have avoided was that of his own mind. He knew no tragedy so heartrending as introspection.
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Simplicity is the most deceitful mistress that ever betrayed man.
Henry AdamsRead
The American President resembles the commander of a ship at sea. He must have a helm to grasp, a course to steer, a port to seek.
Henry AdamsRead
The effect of power and publicity on all men is the aggravation of self, a sort of tumor that ends by killing the victim's sympathies.
Henry AdamsRead
Man is an imperceptible atom always trying to become one with God.
Henry AdamsRead
Similar quotes
What is 'grace'? It is God's own life, shared by us. God's life is love. Deus caritas est. By grace we are able to share in the infinitely selfless love of Him Who is such pure actuality that He needs nothing and therefore cannot conceivably exploit anything for selfish ends. Indeed, outside of Him there is nothing, and whatever exists exists by His free gift of its being, so that one of the notions that is absolutely contradictory to the perfection of God is selfishness.
Thomas MertonRead
I support all people on earth who have bodies like and unlike my body.
Naomi Shihab NyeRead
The will of God is always a bigger thing than we bargain for, but we must believe that whatever it involves, it is good, acceptable and perfect.
Jim ElliotRead
The moment good taste knows itself, some of its goodness is lost.
C. S. LewisRead
Good technique includes quick changes, great variety and speed. It may be a system of reversals much like a concept of God and the Devil. In the speed of events, which one is really in charge? Do they change places with lightning speed? The Chinese believe so. To put the heart of the martial arts in your own heart and have it be a part of you means total comprehension.
Bruce LeeRead
Pre-emptive war might fall within the framework of international law.
Noam ChomskyRead