Air Quote by E. B. White
“America is now liberty-conscious. In a single generation it has progressed from being toothbrush-conscious, to being air-minded, to being liberty-conscious.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, 1950s
Society’s values shift over generations, moving from trivial concerns to deeper ideals like liberty.
In simple terms: Values evolve from small to big.
Key Takeaway
Recognize changing priorities.
Themes
social change
values
history
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- media analysis
- community organizing
Key Concepts
cultural evolution
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do current values reflect past priorities?
- What does liberty mean to you today?
A Different Perspective
Liberty may be interpreted differently across cultures, causing conflict.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)