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.
More from Nicholas Murray Butler
All quotes βThere are many things that go to make up an education, but there are just two things without which no man can ever hope to have an education and these two things are character and good manners.
Nicholas Murray ButlerRead
Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.
Nicholas Murray ButlerRead
Similar quotes
Whether or not you welcome it, moving house requires you to make choices about the past as you move into the future. What of all of your bits of stuff is truly valued? What should be left behind?
Julia GillardRead
I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton just left me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation, and court decision, I have finally been included in 'We, the people.'
Barbara JordanRead
The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.
Leonard SweetRead
Fearless is knowing that someday things will change.
Taylor SwiftRead
I've been uprooted. I don't think a tree that's been uprooted as a happy tree and I'm not very happy. I can't be. I do not accept to be.
Mikis TheodorakisRead
Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle.
Marie KondoRead