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
[H]istory assures us that civilizations decay quite leisurely.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Civilizations decline over time more slowly than we might expect.
Will Durant's quote points to the gradual nature of civilization's decline, suggesting that decay is not a sudden event but a slow process that unfolds over generations. This invites reflection on the impermanence of societal achievements and the factors that contribute to their eventual downfall, emphasizing that awareness of this decline can provide insight into sustaining a civilization.
Themes
CivilizationDecayHistoryTimeImpermanence
In practice
Example use cases
In a historical discussion, one might quote this to emphasize the slow decline of empires.
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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