But we want a man hag-ridden by the Future—haunted by…
““But we want a man hag-ridden by the Future—haunted by visions of an imminent heaven or hell upon earth—ready to break the Enemy’s commands in the present if by so doing we make him think he can attain the one or avert the other—dependent for his faith on the success or failure of schemes whose end he will not live to see. We want a whole race perpetually in pursuit of the rainbow’s end, never honest, nor kind, nor happy now, but always using as mere fuel wherewith to heap the altar of the future every real gift which is offered them in the Present. It””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage describes a society driven by future-oriented fanaticism, sacrificing present virtues for imagined futures, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction.
In simple terms: People chase future visions, neglecting present goodness.
Key Takeaway
Focus on present values over future promises.
Themes
future
faith
discontent
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political movements
- religious zeal
- personal ambition
- social activism
Key Concepts
existentialism
nihilism
hope
illusion
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives people to prioritize future over present?
- How can present happiness be cultivated?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex motivations.