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
Civilizations come and go; they conquer the earth and crumble into dust; but faith survives every desolation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Faith endures despite the rise and fall of civilizations.
This quote by Will Durant emphasizes the idea that while civilizations have a temporary existence, marked by their accomplishments and eventual downfall, the concept of faith remains constant and resilient. It suggests that no matter the challenges faced by humanity, whether through societal collapse or personal hardships, faith is a universal element that continues to inspire and support people throughout history.
Themes
FaithCivilizationEnduranceDesolationHistory
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a lecture on the persistence of beliefs through historical events.
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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Moment to moment, it turns out, is not God's conception, or nature's. It is man conversing with himself about and through a piece of machinery he created."We effectively became "time-keepers, and then time-savers, and now time-servers" with the invention of the clock."
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Maintain a spirit of peace and you will save a thousand souls.
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O, here Will I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace! and, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death!
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I am as firmly convinced that religions do harm as I am that they are untrue.
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We know so little. Our judgment is so limited. We judge the Lord's ways from our own narrow view.
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I found I could extinguish all human hope from my soul.
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