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There is nothing so good for the human soul as the discovery that there are ancient and flourishing civilized societies which have somehow managed to exist for many centuries and are still in being though they have had no help from the traveler in solving their problems.
Walter Lippmann
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the value of learning from ancient civilizations that have thrived independently of outside influence.

Walter Lippmann emphasizes the profound impact that the discovery of ancient, flourishing societies can have on the human soul. It suggests that such societies, which have successfully navigated their own challenges over centuries without external assistance, can inspire and enlighten us about resilience, adaptability, and the richness of diverse ways of life. This can instill a sense of awe and appreciation for human ingenuity and the depth of history.

Themes

CivilizationWisdomHistoryIndependenceDiscovery

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared in a discussion about the importance of learning from history in educational settings.

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