--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The course of human history has always…" description: "\"“The course of human history has always moved in the direction of greater freedom. And there’s a reason for that—because it’s in our nature to push for..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/714/daniel-h-pink-1532_autonomy_the-course-of-human-history-has-always-m_2942643.png" --- # The course of human history has always moved in the… ![“The course of human history has always moved in the direction of greater freedom. And there’s a reason for that—because it’s in our nature to push for it,” Ryan told me. “If we were just plastic like [some] people think, this wouldn’t be happening. But somebody stands in front of a tank in China…” quote by Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/714/daniel-h-pink-1532_autonomy_the-course-of-human-history-has-always-m_2942643.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/714/daniel-h-pink-1532_autonomy_the-course-of-human-history-has-always-m_2942643.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/714/daniel-h-pink-1532_autonomy_the-course-of-human-history-has-always-m_2942643.png) > ““The course of human history has always moved in the direction of greater freedom. And there’s a reason for that—because it’s in our nature to push for it,” Ryan told me. “If we were just plastic like \[some\] people think, this wouldn’t be happening. But somebody stands in front of a tank in China. Women, who’ve been denied autonomy, keep advocating for rights. This is the course of history. This is why ultimately human nature, if it ever realizes itself, will do so by becoming more autonomous.”” [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human history trends toward increasing freedom because autonomy is intrinsic to human nature, driving collective action for rights. **In simple terms:** People naturally seek freedom and autonomy. Key Takeaway Recognize and support autonomy in yourself and others. Themes freedom autonomy human nature progress rights Mood hopeful determined reflective Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - activism - policy reform - personal development - education - community organizing Key Concepts self‑determination theory social movements political change Questions to Reflect On - How does personal autonomy influence societal change? - What barriers hinder the pursuit of freedom? A Different Perspective Not all societies value autonomy equally; cultural resistance can slow progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Autonomy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/autonomy/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Human nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-nature/) ## Related quotes > [America is a nation that is founded on the principle of religious freedom. That is the reason this country exists.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/america-is-a-nation-that-is-founded-on-the-principle-of-religious/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [Let all me have as much freedom in reason as may be, and true dealing, for it is the greatest comfort you can give…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-smith/let-all-me-have-as-much-freedom-in-reason-as-may-be-and-true-dealing/) [John Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-smith/) > [He who has attained the freedom of reason to any extent cannot, for a long time, regard himself otherwise than as a wanderer on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/he-who-has-attained-the-freedom-of-reason-to-any-extent-cannot-for-a/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [“All ran to meet their chains thinking they secured their freedom, for although they had enough reason to feel the advantages of political establishment,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-jacques-rousseau-2/all-ran-to-meet-their-chains-thinking-they-secured-their-freedom-for/) [Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-jacques-rousseau-2/) > [“No doubt Western modernity has its limitations and discontents. Still, it is far better than the known alternatives—not only, or even primarily, because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-stark/no-doubt-western-modernity-has-its-limitations-and-discontents-still/) [Rodney Stark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-stark/) > [Before anything else, we need a new age of Enlightenment. Our present political systems must relinquish their claims on truth, justice and freedom and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-d-rrenmatt/before-anything-else-we-need-a-new-age-of-enlightenment-our-present/) [Friedrich Durrenmatt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-d-rrenmatt/) > [The reason this system can’t be overthrown in this country,” Walter said, “is all about freedom. The reason the free market in Europe is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-franzen/the-reason-this-system-can-t-be-overthrown-in-this-country-walter/) [Jonathan Franzen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-franzen/) > [We call religious liberty our first freedom, for a reason of course, because it's listed first. And that's because the founders understood: your right…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-johnson/we-call-religious-liberty-our-first-freedom-for-a-reason-of-course/) [Mike Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-johnson/) > [“But what about the apparent absurdity of the idea of dignity, freedom, and reason, sustained by extreme military discipline, including of the practice of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/slavoj-i-ek/but-what-about-the-apparent-absurdity-of-the-idea-of-dignity-freedom/) [Slavoj Žižek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/slavoj-i-ek/) > [It is probable that England will look favorably upon the independence of the Philippines, for it will open their ports to her and afford…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jos-rizal/it-is-probable-that-england-will-look-favorably-upon-the-independence/) [Jose Rizal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jos-rizal/) > [I want my legacy to be greater freedom, greater prosperity and a better way of life for my family, our employees and all Americans.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-koch/i-want-my-legacy-to-be-greater-freedom-greater-prosperity-and-a/) [Charles Koch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-koch/) > [Your freedom when it loses its fetters becomes itself the fetter of a greater freedom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/khalil-gibran/your-freedom-when-it-loses-its-fetters-becomes-itself-the-fetter-of-a/) [Khalil Gibran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/khalil-gibran/) > [When you're devoted to a greater freedom in the world, you're willing to compromise something you love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nazanin-boniadi/when-you-re-devoted-to-a-greater-freedom-in-the-world-you-re-willing/) [Nazanin Boniadi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nazanin-boniadi/) > [The greatest advantage I know of being thought a wit by the world is, that it gives one the greater freedom of playing the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-pope/the-greatest-advantage-i-know-of-being-thought-a-wit-by-the-world-is/) [Alexander Pope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-pope/) > [As the Constitution endures, persons in every generation can invoke its principles in their own search for greater freedom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-kennedy/as-the-constitution-endures-persons-in-every-generation-can-invoke/) [Anthony Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-kennedy/) ## More by Daniel H. Pink > [Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/human-beings-have-an-innate-inner-drive-to-be-autonomous-self/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“morning people to be pleasant, productive folks—“introverted,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/morning-people-to-be-pleasant-productive-folks-introverted/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“tweeters felt active, engaged, and hopeful—generally rose in the morning, plummeted in the afternoon”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/tweeters-felt-active-engaged-and-hopeful-generally-rose-in-the/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“The longer it takes for a boss to respond to their e-mails, the less satisfied people are with their leader.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/the-longer-it-takes-for-a-boss-to-respond-to-their-e-mails-the-less/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [For creative tasks, the best approach is often just to hire great people and get out of their way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/for-creative-tasks-the-best-approach-is-often-just-to-hire-great/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“The less evidence of extrinsic motivation during art school, the more success in professional art both several years after graduation and nearly twenty years…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/the-less-evidence-of-extrinsic-motivation-during-art-school-the-more/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [If you look at the very best presidents, the most effective presidents, they were always decent salespeople. Ronald Reagan was an extremely effective salesman,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/if-you-look-at-the-very-best-presidents-the-most-effective-presidents/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“the more they chat and gossip—the more they get done”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/the-more-they-chat-and-gossip-the-more-they-get-done/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“continuing to think about job demands during breaks may result in strain.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/continuing-to-think-about-job-demands-during-breaks-may-result-in/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“The quality of the problem that is found is a forerunner of the quality of the solution that is attained . . .” Getzels concluded.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/the-quality-of-the-problem-that-is-found-is-a-forerunner-of-the/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [When we make progress and get better at something, it is inherently motivating. In order for people to make progress, they have to get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/when-we-make-progress-and-get-better-at-something-it-is-inherently/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“innovation and creativity are greatest when we are not at our best”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/innovation-and-creativity-are-greatest-when-we-are-not-at-our-best/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“Temporal landmarks slow our thinking, allowing us to deliberate at a higher level and make better decisions”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/temporal-landmarks-slow-our-thinking-allowing-us-to-deliberate-at-a/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“Jobs that offer autonomy but little challenge bore us.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/jobs-that-offer-autonomy-but-little-challenge-bore-us/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) > [“richest experiences in our lives aren’t when we’re clamoring for validation from others, but when we’re listening to our own voice—doing something that matters,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-pink/richest-experiences-in-our-lives-aren-t-when-we-re-clamoring-for/) [Daniel H. Pink](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) [Explore all 230 Daniel H. Pink quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-pink/) ## More Autonomy quotes > [I don't want to be famous famous. I'm happy on the second tier, where I have autonomy on a professional level but I can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabrielle-reece/i-don-t-want-to-be-famous-famous-i-m-happy-on-the-second-tier-where-i/) [Gabrielle Reece](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabrielle-reece/) > [“The idea of autonomy denies that we are born into a world that existed prior to us. It posits an essential aloneness; an autonomous…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matthew-b-crawford/the-idea-of-autonomy-denies-that-we-are-born-into-a-world-that/) [Matthew B. Crawford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matthew-b-crawford/) > [It’s hard to feel attracted to someone who has abandoned her sense of autonomy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esther-perel/it-s-hard-to-feel-attracted-to-someone-who-has-abandoned-her-sense-of/) [Esther Perel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esther-perel/) > [The first step toward maintaining autonomy in any programmed environment is to be aware that there's programming going on. It's as simple as understanding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-rushkoff/the-first-step-toward-maintaining-autonomy-in-any-programmed/) [Douglas Rushkoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-rushkoff/) > [Autonomy is impossible as long as one is driven by anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabor-mat/autonomy-is-impossible-as-long-as-one-is-driven-by-anything/) [Gabor Mate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabor-mat/) > [“Father had stretched out his long legs and was tilting back in his chair. Mother sat with her knees crossed, in blue slacks, smoking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-dillard/father-had-stretched-out-his-long-legs-and-was-tilting-back-in-his/) [Annie Dillard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-dillard/) > [Throughout the last century there were multiple attempts at giving Afghan women more autonomy, to change marriage laws, to abolish the practice of bride…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/khaled-hosseini/throughout-the-last-century-there-were-multiple-attempts-at-giving/) [Khaled Hosseini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/khaled-hosseini/) > [We could encourage the best qualities of youthfulness - curiosity, adventure, resilience, the capacity for surprising insight simply by being more flexible about time,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-taylor-gatto/we-could-encourage-the-best-qualities-of-youthfulness-curiosity/) [John Taylor Gatto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-taylor-gatto/) > [“She isn't anybody's,' Rook said darkly. 'Son. she's not yours, either," Sarah Fleet said.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaida-jones/she-isn-t-anybody-s-rook-said-darkly-son-she-s-not-yours-either-sarah/) [Jaida Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaida-jones/) > [The Palestinian Arabs will have their autonomy, we will have our security. We shall live together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/menachem-begin/the-palestinian-arabs-will-have-their-autonomy-we-will-have-our/) [Menachem Begin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/menachem-begin/) > [Autonomy means women defining themselves and the values by which they will live, and beginning to think of institutional arrangements which will order their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerda-lerner/autonomy-means-women-defining-themselves-and-the-values-by-which-they/) [Gerda Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerda-lerner/) > [“Autonomous people assert themselves against the status quo. They don't accept the prevailing opinion just because it's the one given to them. Nothing creative…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria-brito/autonomous-people-assert-themselves-against-the-status-quo-they-don-t/) Maria Brito > [Black people cannot and will not become integrated into American society on any terms but those of self-determination and autonomy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerda-lerner/black-people-cannot-and-will-not-become-integrated-into-american/) [Gerda Lerner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerda-lerner/) > [The civil magistrate cannot function without some ethical guidance, without some standard of good and evil. If that standard is not to be the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-civil-magistrate-cannot-function-without-some-ethical-guidance/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Who hath desires must ever fearful be; Who lives in fear cannot be counted free.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-burton/who-hath-desires-must-ever-fearful-be-who-lives-in-fear-cannot-be/) [Robert Burton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-burton/) [Browse all 418 Autonomy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/autonomy/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“The course of human history has always moved in the direction of greater freedom. And there’s a reason for that—because it’s in our nature to push for it,” Ryan told me. “If we were just plastic like [some] people think, this wouldn’t be happening. But somebody stands in front of a tank in China. 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