QuoteProject
The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.
James Russell Lowell
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Only the foolish and the dead refuse to change their views or opinions.

This quote suggests that change is an inherent part of life and intellectual growth. Those who are alive and wise are open to learning and shifting their perspectives, while only those who are foolish or no longer alive remain unyielding in their beliefs.

Themes

ChangeOpinionsGrowthWisdomLife

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of adaptability in business.

More from James Russell Lowell

I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife.
James Russell LowellRead
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
James Russell LowellRead
Good luck is the willing handmaid of upright, energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.
James Russell LowellRead
Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.
James Russell LowellRead
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.
James Russell LowellRead
Old events have modern meanings; only that survives of past history which finds kindred in all hearts and lives.
James Russell LowellRead

Similar quotes

In too many instances, the march to globalization has also meant the marginalization of women and girls. And that must change.
Hillary ClintonRead
One day, I know the struggle will change. There's got to be a change - not only for Mississippi, not only for the people in the United States, but people all over the world.
Fannie Lou HamerRead
The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The world had already changed before September 11. The world has been going through a process of change over the last 20 or 30 years. A civilization ends, another one begins.
Jose SaramagoRead
A man who is used to acting in one way never changes; he must come to ruin when the times, in changing, no longer are in harmony with his ways.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
Millions of people in nearly 80 countries still live in fear of landmines and explosive remnants of war, which take an unacceptable toll on lives and limbs, and people's livelihoods
Ban Ki-MoonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.