I divide the world into three Classes - The few who make things happen, the many who watch things happen, the overwhelming majority who have no notion of what happens.
Nicholas Murray ButlerRead
The old world order changed when this war-storm broke. The old international order passed away as suddenly, as unexpectedly, and as completely as if it had been wiped out by a gigantic flood, by a great tempest, or by a volcanic eruption. The old world order died with the setting of that day's sun and a new world order is being born while I speak, with birth-pangs so terrible that it seems almost incredible that life could come out of such fearful suffering and such overwhelming sorrow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the significant transformation of the international order due to the turmoil of war, suggesting that profound change often comes with immense suffering.
Nicholas Murray Butler's quote illustrates the dramatic shift in the global landscape that occurred as a result of war. The metaphor of the old world order being erased like a natural disaster emphasizes the suddenness and totality of this change, while acknowledging the painful birth of a new world order emerging from deep suffering. It captures the complexities of transformation, where hope for a new beginning is intertwined with the harsh realities of loss and turmoil.
Themes
ChangeTransformationWarSufferingNew Beginnings
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming adversity, one might start with this quote to illustrate the challenges we face in creating change.
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