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
The most interesting thing in the world is another human being who wonders, suffers and raises the questions that have bothered him to the last day of his life, knowing he will never get the answers.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human curiosity and the quest for understanding are essential to our existence.
This quote by Will Durant emphasizes the profound nature of human beings and their existential struggles. It suggests that the essence of life lies in the questions we pose about our existence and the inherent suffering that accompanies our search for answers, reminding us that the journey of inquiry itself is what truly enriches our lives, even when answers remain elusive.
Themes
HumanCuriosityQuestionsExistenceSufferingAnswers
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of inquiry in education.
More from Will Durant
All quotes →The 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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