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
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.
In practice
In a speech about social change, one could use this quote to illustrate how new ideas often start from individuals challenging the norm.
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.
The 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.
If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
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.
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.
When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
Your trials did not come to punish you, but to awaken you - to make you realise that you are a part of Spirit and that just behind the sparks of your life is the Flame of Infinity.
Oldtimers, weekends, and airplane landings are alike. If you can walk away from them, they're successful.
Right in the difficult we must have our joys, our happiness, our dreams: there against the depth of this background, they stand out, there for the first time we see how beautiful they are.
However tight things are, you still need to have the big picture at the forefront of your mind.
Who ever saw a doctor use the prescription of his colleague without cutting out or adding something?
I let go of all expectations. People, places and things are free to be themselves, and I am free to be me.
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