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
If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of appreciating our existence as a fundamental aspect of life.
Will Durant's quote reflects on the profound reality of human existence and suggests that failing to be amazed by the mere fact of our being is a tremendous oversight. It invites us to acknowledge the wonder of life itself, which is often taken for granted, and encourages a deeper reflection on our place in the universe.
Themes
ExistenceAmazedAppreciationLifeWonder
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about appreciation for life.
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.
Will DurantRead
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.
Will DurantRead
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.
Will DurantRead
When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
Will DurantRead
Civilizations come and go; they conquer the earth and crumble into dust; but faith survives every desolation.
Will DurantRead
Similar quotes
We know a thing by its opposite corollary; hot by having experienced cold; good by having decided what is bad; love by hate.
Sylvia PlathRead
I freely chose the kind of life I led because I was convinced that a woman has as much right as a man to live the way she does if she does no actual harm to society.
Mae WestRead
Valentine had long ago observed that in a society that expected chastity and fidelity, like Lusitania, the adolescents who controlled and channeled their youthful passions were the ones who grew up to be both strong and civilized. Adolescents in such a community who were either too weak to control themselves or too contemptuous of society's norms to try usually ended up being either sheep or wolves- either mindless members of the herd or predators who took what they could and gave nothing.
Orson Scott CardRead
We look at young black kids with a scowl on their face, walking a certain way down the block with their sweatpants dangling, however, with their hoodies on. And folks think that this is a show of power or a show of force. But I know, because I've been among those kids, it ultimately is fear.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
What we celebrate at Christmas is not so much the birth of a baby, but the incarnation of God Himself
R. C. SproulRead
You have forgotten the One who doesn't care about ownership, who doesn't try to turn a profit from every human exchange.
RumiRead