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
Truth always originates in a minority of one, and every custom begins as a broken precedent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true ideas often start with single individuals and that traditions often start by breaking established norms.
Will Durant's quote emphasizes the idea that innovation and truth often come from a single individual's perspective, challenging the status quo. It highlights how societal norms and customs emerge when individuals dare to deviate from established traditions, thus inviting change and progress from what was once considered unconventional.
Themes
TruthMinorityCustomsPrecedentInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social change, one could use this quote to illustrate how new ideas often start from individuals challenging the norm.
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
O Divine Providence, I ask not for more riches but more wisdom with which to make wiser use of the riches you gave me at birth, consisting in the power to control and direct my own mind to whatever ends I might desire.
Napoleon HillRead
The world is ready to give up its secrets if we only know how to knock, how to give it the necessary blow. The strength and force of the blow come through concentration.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Experience is a good teacher, but her fees are very high.
William Ralph IngeRead
Littera scripta manet - 'The written word will remain'. That's true, but it won't be that much comfort to me.
Christopher HitchensRead
Perfectionism is self destructive simply because there's no such thing as perfect. Perfection is an unattainable goal.
Bren BrownRead
Time and trouble will tame an advanced young woman, but an advanced old woman is uncontrollable by any earthly force.
Dorothy L. SayersRead