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
Time sanctifies everything; even the most arrant theft in the hands of the robber's grandchildren becomes sacred and inviolable property.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Time can alter perceptions of morality and ownership, making things that were once wrong seem acceptable over generations.
Will Durant's quote suggests that as time passes, society's views on actions, including theft, can change dramatically. What was once considered a crime may become normalized, to the point that future generations regard it as a legitimate possession, thereby illustrating the fluidity of moral standards and the effect of historical context on perception.
Themes
TimePerceptionMoralityTheftHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of ownership, this quote can be used to illustrate how perceptions of moral actions can evolve.
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
If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
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
Similar quotes
Sometimes thinking back on things is a mistake arising out of pride, but I guess you live inside a moment for years, move with it and feel it grow, and it sends out roots until it touches everything in sight.
Colum MccannRead
The acknowledged legislators of the world take the world as given. They dislike mysteries, for mysteries cannot be coded, or legislated, and wonder cannot be made into law. And so these legislators police the accepted frontiers of things.
Ben OkriRead
The past isn't over. It isn't even past.
William FaulknerRead
There have been innumerable Temporary Seekers after the Truth-have you ever heard of a permanent one?
Mark TwainRead
The self is like a pimping blackmailing chauffeur who gets you from here to there on word lines.
William S. BurroughsRead
Through endless night the earth whirls toward a creation unknown.
Henry MillerRead