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
The trouble with most people is that they think with their hopes or fears or wishes rather than with their minds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often let their emotions drive their thinking instead of using logic and reason.
In this quote, Will Durant emphasizes the importance of rational thought over emotional influences. He suggests that many individuals allow their hopes, fears, or desires to cloud their judgment, leading them to make decisions based on feelings rather than objective analysis. This observation highlights the need for critical thinking and sound reasoning in our daily lives.
Themes
ThinkingReasonEmotionsJudgmentDecision Making
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational talk about the importance of rational decision-making.
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
Worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil.
E. Stanley JonesRead
We all learn lessons in life. Some stick, some don't. I have always learned more from rejection and failure than from acceptance and success.
Henry RollinsRead
Rest and be kind, you don't have to prove anything
Jack KerouacRead
If we exchange one dollar, we both have one dollar each. But if we exchange one good thought, we both have two good thoughts
Abraham LincolnRead
Don't be too hard on me. Everyone has to sacrifice at the altar of stupidity from time to time.
Albert EinsteinRead
I wonder what becomes of lost opportunities? Perhaps our guardian angel gathers them up as we drop them, and will give them back to us in the beautiful sometime when we have grown wiser, and learned how to use them rightly.
Helen KellerRead