History shows that great economic and social forces flow like a tide over communities only half conscious of that which is befalling them. Wise statesmen foresee what time is thus bringing, and try to shape institutions and mold men's thoughts and purposes in accordance with the change that is silently coming on. The unwise are those who bring nothing constructive to the process, and who greatly imperil the future of mankind by leaving great questions to be fought out between ignorant change on one hand and ignorant opposition to change on the other.
More Quotes from John Stuart Mill:
Originality is the one thing unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of.John Stuart Mill
The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race posterity as well as the existing generation those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.
John Stuart Mill
Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people, it is true that most stupid people are conservative.
John Stuart Mill
The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant.
John Stuart Mill
Style is the perfection of good sense.
John Stuart Mill
Every great movement must experience three stages ridicule, discussion, adoption.
John Stuart Mill
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Based on Topics: Change Quotes, Future Quotes, History Quotes, Mankind Quotes, Time Quotes, Wisdom & Knowledge QuotesBased on Keywords: befalling, imperil
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