--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is a strong conservative instinct…" description: "\"There is a strong conservative instinct in the average man or woman, born of the hereditary fear of life, that prompts them to cling to old standards, ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63c/gertrude-atherton-9180_adventurous_there-is-a-strong-conservative-instinct_2529832.jpg" --- # There is a strong conservative instinct in the average man… ![“There is a strong conservative instinct in the average man or woman, born of the hereditary fear of life, that prompts them to cling to old standards, or, if too intelligent to look inhospitably upon progress, to move very slowly. Both types are the brakes and wheelhorses necessary to a stable…” quote by Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63c/gertrude-atherton-9180_adventurous_there-is-a-strong-conservative-instinct_2529832.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63c/gertrude-atherton-9180_adventurous_there-is-a-strong-conservative-instinct_2529832.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63c/gertrude-atherton-9180_adventurous_there-is-a-strong-conservative-instinct_2529832.jpg) > “There is a strong conservative instinct in the average man or woman, born of the hereditary fear of life, that prompts them to cling to old standards, or, if too intelligent to look inhospitably upon progress, to move very slowly. Both types are the brakes and wheelhorses necessary to a stable civilization, but history, even current history in the newspapers, would be dull reading if there were no adventurous spirits willing to do battle for new ideas.” [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People cling to familiar norms out of fear, yet progress needs daring individuals to challenge them. **In simple terms:** Fear keeps us stuck; boldness drives change. Key Takeaway Encourage courageous ideas. Themes conservatism progress societal stability Mood thoughtful determined Type analytical motivational When to use this quote - political debate - organizational change - personal growth - activism Key Concepts psychology of fear social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - What risks are you willing to take for new ideas? - How do you balance tradition with innovation? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on stability can stifle innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adventurous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adventurous/) [Adventurous spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adventurous-spirit/) [Average man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/average-man/) [Battle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/battle/) [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Conservative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conservative/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Fear Of Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear-of-life/) [Fears of life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fears-of-life/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Instinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instinct/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [New ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/new-ideas/) [Newspapers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/newspapers/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading/) [Resistance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/resistance/) [Spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirit/) [Status quo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/status-quo/) ## Related quotes > [Before we can build a stable civilization worthy of humanity as a whole, it is necessary that each historical civilization should become conscious of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarvepalli-radhakrishnan/before-we-can-build-a-stable-civilization-worthy-of-humanity-as-a/) [Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarvepalli-radhakrishnan/) > [Our idea of what constitutes social good has advanced with the procession of the ages, from those desperate times when just to keep body…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frances-perkins/our-idea-of-what-constitutes-social-good-has-advanced-with-the/) [Frances Perkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frances-perkins/) > [Only our own strength, a strong conservative party, can prevent Red-Red-Green from taking power at the federal level in 2017.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angela-merkel/only-our-own-strength-a-strong-conservative-party-can-prevent-red-red/) [Angela Merkel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angela-merkel/) > [I do have very strong conservative values.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madison-cawthorn/i-do-have-very-strong-conservative-values/) [Madison Cawthorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madison-cawthorn/) > [If we continue to cut something with each resolution, I would say we're making steady progress and sending a strong conservative message.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-fleischmann/if-we-continue-to-cut-something-with-each-resolution-i-would-say-we/) [Chuck Fleischmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-fleischmann/) > [The challenges of delivering more housing so people can enjoy the benefits of home ownership and improving standards and choice in public services can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/priti-patel/the-challenges-of-delivering-more-housing-so-people-can-enjoy-the/) [Priti Patel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/priti-patel/) > [I've got to put forward a very strong conservative voice, advocate for conservative values and advocate for principle in politics to restore faith in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cory-bernardi/i-ve-got-to-put-forward-a-very-strong-conservative-voice-advocate-for/) [Cory Bernardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cory-bernardi/) > [“When you have a strong conservative streak in your society,” Zeyk would say, “which detaches itself from the progressive streak, that’s when you get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kim-stanley-robinson/when-you-have-a-strong-conservative-streak-in-your-society-zeyk-would/) [Kim Stanley Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-stanley-robinson/) > [I would bring to the table a strong, conservative, unwavering voice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-robinson/i-would-bring-to-the-table-a-strong-conservative-unwavering-voice/) [Mark Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-robinson/) > [On social questions, national defense, economic issues, I'm a strong conservative.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-p-bush/on-social-questions-national-defense-economic-issues-i-m-a-strong/) [George P. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-p-bush/) > [So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-mccandless/so-many-people-live-within-unhappy-circumstances-and-yet-will-not-3/) [Christopher McCandless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-mccandless/) > [So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aron-ralston/so-many-people-live-within-unhappy-circumstances-and-yet-will-not-2/) [Aron Ralston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aron-ralston/) > [“To an adventurous spirit any place is an unexplored land”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-montgomery-fate/to-an-adventurous-spirit-any-place-is-an-unexplored-land/) Tom Montgomery Fate > [“When love carries us away on its brittle wings, we are too intoxicated to comprehend its power. We just want to soar and feel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/balroop-singh/when-love-carries-us-away-on-its-brittle-wings-we-are-too-intoxicated/) [Balroop Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/balroop-singh/) > [“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned by a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-supertramp-chris-mccandless/so-many-people-live-within-unhappy-circumstances-and-yet-will-not/) Alexander Supertramp Chris McCandless ## More by Gertrude Atherton > [There is nothing so carking as the pangs of unsatisfied curiosity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/there-is-nothing-so-carking-as-the-pangs-of-unsatisfied-curiosity/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [The only two good words that can be said for a hurricane are that it gives sufficient warning of its approach, and that it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/the-only-two-good-words-that-can-be-said-for-a-hurricane-are-that-it/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [The world, and the great and free United States in particular, is full of narrow-minded, ignorant, moronic, bigoted, cowardly, self-righteous, anemic, pig-headed, stupid, puritanical,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/the-world-and-the-great-and-free-united-states-in-particular-is-full/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [Men are not amusing during the shooting season; but, after all, my dear, men were not especially designed to amuse women.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/men-are-not-amusing-during-the-shooting-season-but-after-all-my-dear/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [genius must ever be imperfect. Life is not long enough nor slow enough for both brain and character to grow side by side to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/genius-must-ever-be-imperfect-life-is-not-long-enough-nor-slow-enough/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [the best of all good friends is pride.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/the-best-of-all-good-friends-is-pride/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [The final result of too much routine is death in life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/the-final-result-of-too-much-routine-is-death-in-life/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [Self-admiration giveth much consolation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/self-admiration-giveth-much-consolation/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [Fame compensates for a column of wants.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/fame-compensates-for-a-column-of-wants/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [If you can't get the very best in this world, take nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/if-you-can-t-get-the-very-best-in-this-world-take-nothing/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [No country can reach a high stage of civilization without a leisure class.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/no-country-can-reach-a-high-stage-of-civilization-without-a-leisure/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [... France is the genius among nations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/france-is-the-genius-among-nations/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [The world changed somewhat in form during its progress, but never in substance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/the-world-changed-somewhat-in-form-during-its-progress-but-never-in/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [... the irony of life is not that you cannot forget but that you can.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/the-irony-of-life-is-not-that-you-cannot-forget-but-that-you-can/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) > [ \[Alexander\] Hamilton estimated portrait painters as thieves of time. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-atherton/alexander-hamilton-estimated-portrait-painters-as-thieves-of-time/) [Gertrude Atherton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) [Explore all 74 Gertrude Atherton quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-atherton/) ## More Adventurous quotes > [I am not an adventurous person but I am gutsy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rahul-vaidya/i-am-not-an-adventurous-person-but-i-am-gutsy/) [Rahul Vaidya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rahul-vaidya/) > [“Life is adventurous and exciting because you never know where you will be in a few minutes or so.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debasish-mridha/life-is-adventurous-and-exciting-because-you-never-know-where-you/) [Debasish Mridha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debasish-mridha/) > [ I wanted to play in New York when I was in my prime and I was young, fierce, lock-down \[defender\]. Madison Square Garden, that… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/metta-world-peace/i-wanted-to-play-in-new-york-when-i-was-in-my-prime-and-i-was-young/) [Metta World Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/metta-world-peace/) > [“To an adventurous spirit any place is an unexplored land”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-montgomery-fate/to-an-adventurous-spirit-any-place-is-an-unexplored-land/) Tom Montgomery Fate > [The chef has kids complaining to their parents the food they get in school is better than what they get at home. He's turned…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marion-nestle/the-chef-has-kids-complaining-to-their-parents-the-food-they-get-in/) [Marion Nestle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marion-nestle/) > [We have a family holiday once a year, usually abroad, but that's it. I feel I should have holidays for my family's sake, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-webb/we-have-a-family-holiday-once-a-year-usually-abroad-but-that-s-it-i/) [Robert Webb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-webb/) > [“A silenced leader's gaze stifles the oppressor”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-i-svikiro/a-silenced-leader-s-gaze-stifles-the-oppressor/) Andy I. Svikiro > [Archaeology, I found, comprehended all manner of excitement and achievement. Adventure is coupled with bookish toil. Romantic excursions go hand in hand with scholarly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/archaeology-i-found-comprehended-all-manner-of-excitement-and/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Create your environment from your best innate tenacity. Always embrace the abundance of an inspirational mentality. Eliminate distractions, clutter, and work from a place…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-s-spence-sr/create-your-environment-from-your-best-innate-tenacity-always-embrace/) [Joseph S. Spence Sr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-s-spence-sr/) > [I've noticed that the more adventurous and in that mode that I am, it seems that the more the audience really likes it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chick-corea/i-ve-noticed-that-the-more-adventurous-and-in-that-mode-that-i-am-it/) [Chick Corea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chick-corea/) > [Don't you think now is the time to be adventurous, while we're still young?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/don-t-you-think-now-is-the-time-to-be-adventurous-while-we-re-still/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-mccandless/so-many-people-live-within-unhappy-circumstances-and-yet-will-not-3/) [Christopher McCandless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-mccandless/) > [The adventurous state of mind is a high house... The joy of adventure is unaccountable. This is the attractiveness of artwork. It is adventurous,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/agnes-martin/the-adventurous-state-of-mind-is-a-high-house-the-joy-of-adventure-is/) [Agnes Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/agnes-martin/) > [If there was the opportunity to climb a mountain, or to go ballooning, or some adventurous activity, I would always be keen to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-bannister/if-there-was-the-opportunity-to-climb-a-mountain-or-to-go-ballooning/) [Roger Bannister](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-bannister/) > [“Get to know who you are instead of waiting for some magical person to walk into your life and make you more adventurous, richer,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrea-bain/get-to-know-who-you-are-instead-of-waiting-for-some-magical-person-to/) Andrea Bain [Browse all 375 Adventurous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adventurous/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "There is a strong conservative instinct in the average man or woman, born of the hereditary fear of life, that prompts them to cling to old standards, or, if too intelligent to look inhospitably upon progress, to move very slowly. 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