Easy road Quote by Edward Shils
““There is no straight and easy road to the city of modernity. Whatever the main road chosen, there will be many tempting and ruinous side roads; there will be many marshes and wastes on either side, and many wrecked aspirations will lie there, rusting and gathering dust. Those who arrive at the city will discover it to be quite different from the destination which they and their ancestors originally sought. Yet, some roads are better than others; some destinations are better than others. Even if none is perfect and none corresponds to the voyagers' hope on starting, some of the destinations will turn out to have been worth the travail, worth the effort of the voyagers and of their friends who helped them on their way.””
About This Quote
Modernity is a complex journey fraught with distractions and false promises; only some paths lead to genuinely valuable outcomes despite inevitable imperfections.
In simple terms: Modern progress is a difficult, uneven trek.
Key Takeaway
Not all routes to modernity are equal.
Themes
progress
complexity
disillusionment
choice
value
Mood
reflective
cautious
hopeful
Type
philosophical
observational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- cultural transformation
- personal development
- technological adoption
Key Concepts
modernity
journey
temptation
aspiration
Practical Applications
- policy design
- strategic life planning
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should define a 'better' road to modernity?
- How do we balance ambition with the risk of ruinous side paths?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that any path to modernity inevitably erodes traditional values, making the journey a loss rather than a gain.
