Each of us has interests which conflict the interests of…
“Each of us has interests which conflict the interests of everybody else... 'everybody else' we call 'society'. It's a powerful opponent and it always wins. Oh, here and there an individual prevails for a while and gets what he wants. Sometimes he storms the culture of a society and changes it to his own advantage. But society wins in the long run, for it has the advantage of numbers and of age.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Society’s collective power usually outweighs individual ambitions, though occasional rebels can shift culture.
In simple terms: Society wins because of numbers and age, but individuals can still influence change.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both societal pressure and personal agency.
Themes
power dynamics
individualism
collectivism
culture
history
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- business competition
- social movements
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
social theory
philosophy
political science
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies help individuals overcome societal inertia?
- When is it worth challenging the status quo?
A Different Perspective
Individual actions may be limited without collective support.