Skip to content

No period of history has ever been great or ever can be…

“No period of history has ever been great or ever can be that does not act on some sort of high, idealistic motives, and idealism in our time has been shoved aside, and we are paying the penalty for it.” quote by Alfred North Whitehead
Download Open image
“No period of history has ever been great or ever can be that does not act on some sort of high, idealistic motives, and idealism in our time has been shoved aside, and we are paying the penalty for it.”

Alfred North Whitehead

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

History’s greatness depends on acting from lofty ideals; neglecting idealism leads to negative consequences.

In simple terms: Great deeds need high ideals; ignoring them hurts society.

Key Takeaway

Uphold ideals in actions.

Themes

history idealism consequences morality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical motivational

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • organizational culture
  • personal decision making
  • public policy

Key Concepts

process philosophy ethical motivation social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance idealism with practicality?
  • What risks arise when societies ignore high ideals?
A Different Perspective

Idealism alone may be unrealistic without practical plans.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Alfred North Whitehead

Explore all 356 Alfred North Whitehead quotes

More History quotes

Browse all 27,263 History quotes