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It is in many circumstances a troubling thing to belong to…

“It is in many circumstances a troubling thing to belong to the advanced class of a backward nation. One surrenders coherence and begins a difficult process of choice which ends, often, in an eclectic idiosyncrasy.” quote by George W. S. Trow
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“It is in many circumstances a troubling thing to belong to the advanced class of a backward nation. One surrenders coherence and begins a difficult process of choice which ends, often, in an eclectic idiosyncrasy.”

George W. S. Trow

About This Quote

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

Being part of a progressive elite in a regressive society forces one to abandon logical consistency, leading to a fragmented identity.

In simple terms: Progressive elites may lose coherence in backward societies.

Key Takeaway

Maintain personal coherence despite societal contradictions.

Themes

identity culture progressivism coherence contradiction

Mood

reflective analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical critical introspective

When to use this quote

  • academic discourse
  • personal decision‑making
  • community leadership
  • policy formulation

Key Concepts

social theory identity formation cognitive dissonance cultural lag

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you preserve integrity in conflicting environments?
  • What strategies help reconcile progressivism with tradition?
A Different Perspective

It assumes all backward societies are uniformly regressive.

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