The hope for the twentieth century rests on recognition…
“The hope for the twentieth century rests on recognition that war and depression are man-made, and needless. They can be avoided in the future by turning from the nineteenth-century characteristics just mentioned (materialism, selfishness, false values, hypocrisy, and secret vices) and going back to other characteristics that our Western Society has always regarded as virtues: generosity, compassion, cooperation, rationality, and foresight, and finding a increased role in human life for love, spirituality, charity, and self discipline.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Peace and prosperity require abandoning materialism and selfishness, embracing virtues like compassion and rationality.
In simple terms: Drop selfishness, adopt compassion and rationality for a better future.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate generosity and cooperation.
Themes
peace
virtue ethics
social reform
Mood
hopeful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community building
- education curricula
- personal practice
Key Concepts
materialism
selfishness
humanism
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues can you practice today?
- How can societies shift from materialism?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep cultural values is difficult and slow.