What subsists to-day by violence continues to-morrow by…
“What subsists to-day by violence continues to-morrow by acquiescence and is perpetuated by tradition; till at last the hoary abuse shakes the gray hairs of antiquity at us, and gives it-self out as the wisdom of ages.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Violence persists when tolerated, and tradition masks its cruelty, eventually exposing ancient wisdom as complicit in oppression.
In simple terms: Violence endures through acceptance and tradition.
Key Takeaway
Unchecked tradition sustains violence.
Themes
Power
Tradition
Violence
Complicity
History
Mood
Somber
Reflective
Type
Philosophical
Political
When to use this quote
- Political oppression
- Cultural rituals
- Legal systems
- Intergenerational trauma
Key Concepts
Social inertia
Moral decay
Practical Applications
- Policy reform
- Education initiatives
Questions to Reflect On
- How does tradition conceal violence?
- What can break the cycle of acquiescence?