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.
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When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
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