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.
Every science begins as philosophy and ends as art; it arises in hypothesis and flows into achievement.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that scientific endeavors start with philosophical questions and ideas, ultimately resulting in artistic achievements.
Will Durant's quote illustrates the journey of science, showing that it begins with philosophical inquiries that inspire hypotheses. These theories then translate into practical achievements, reflecting creativity and artistry in unfurling the complexities of the world around us. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of thought, experimentation, and artistic expression in the quest for knowledge.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the evolution of scientific thought, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of philosophical questioning.
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.
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.
Similar quotes
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In the transmission of human culture, people always attempt to replicate, to pass on to the next generation the skills and values of the parents, but the attempt always fails because cultural transmission is geared to learning, not DNA.
To believe that patriotism will not flourish if patriotic ceremonies are voluntary and spontaneous instead of a compulsory routine is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.
The fox condemns the trap, not himself.
A critic is to an author as a fungus to an oak.
It's so easy for propaganda to work, and dissent to be mocked.