The gradual decline of a society is often a self-induced process of trying to meet ever-expanding appetites, rather than a physical inability to produce past levels of food and fuel, or to maintain adequate defense.
Victor Davis HansonRead
States are like people. They do not question the awful status quo until some dramatic event overturns the conventional and lax way of thinking.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that states, like individuals, often fail to challenge the status quo until a significant event forces them to rethink their complacency.
Victor Davis Hanson emphasizes that both states and individuals tend to accept the existing state of affairs without question, a tendency that often persists until a profound, often disruptive event compels them to reconsider their beliefs and actions. This reflects a broader commentary on human nature and the challenge of questioning established norms and practices.
Themes
ChangeStatus QuoThinkingEventChallenge
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a discussion about historical events that triggered social change.
More from Victor Davis Hanson
All quotes βBehind every American soldier, dozens of their countrymen tonight sleep soundly β and hundreds more in their shadow abroad will wake up alive and safe.
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Any time the Western way of war can be unleashed on an enemy stupid enough to enter its arena, victory is assured.
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This bloody past suggests to us that enemies cease hostilities only when they are battered enough to acknowledge that there is no hope in victory - and thus that further resistance means only useless sacrifice.
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