The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities, and for this reason, the heart should be cultivated with more assiduity than the head.
Noah WebsterRead
Like the winds that we come we know not whence and blow whither soever they list, the forces of society are derived from an obscure and distant origin. They arise before the date of philosophy, from the instincts, not the speculations of men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Society's forces originate from deep, instinctual roots rather than rational thought.
In this quote, Adam Ferguson reflects on the nature of societal forces, suggesting that they are not simply products of rational philosophy but instead stem from deep-seated instincts and historical precedents. He draws a parallel with the unpredictable winds, indicating that social dynamics are influenced by factors beyond our comprehension and control, emerging from a complex interplay of human nature and history.
Themes
SocietyPhilosophyInstinctsNatureForces
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a philosophical discussion about the origins of societal norms.
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