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We call it a Society; and go about professing openly the…

“We call it a Society; and go about professing openly the totalest separation, isolation. Our life is not a mutual helpfulness; but rather, cloaked under due laws-of-war, named fair competition and so forth, it is a mutual hostility.” quote by Thomas Carlyle
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“We call it a Society; and go about professing openly the totalest separation, isolation. Our life is not a mutual helpfulness; but rather, cloaked under due laws-of-war, named fair competition and so forth, it is a mutual hostility.”

Thomas Carlyle

About This Quote

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

Society is built on competition and hidden hostility rather than mutual aid.

In simple terms: Society thrives on competition, not cooperation.

Key Takeaway

Recognize underlying societal antagonism.

Themes

society conflict competition

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • social activism
  • community building
  • history

Key Concepts

political theory philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mechanisms foster genuine mutual aid?
  • How can we transform competitive structures?
A Different Perspective

May overlook cooperative examples.

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