Dance Quote by Gertrude Stein
“That is what war is and dancing it is forward and back, when one is out walking one wants not to go back the way they came but in dancing and in war it is forward and back.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The World Is Too Much With Us, 1913
War and dance are described as movements that oscillate forward and backward, emphasizing the tension between progress and retreat.
In simple terms: War and dance both move forward and backward, showing tension between progress and retreat.
Key Takeaway
Embrace forward motion while acknowledging necessary setbacks.
Themes
conflict
art
movement
paradox
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military strategy
- performing arts
- personal growth
- political protest
Key Concepts
dialectics
rhythm
strategic tension
Questions to Reflect On
- How does forward motion coexist with the need to retreat?
- Can dance truly capture the gravity of conflict?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex realities of war.
![“[Wars] can come in different shapes and guises, but always wars come in increments. I am convinced there are steps, and that once these events are set in motion, they are virtually impossible to reverse. There were other steps in the country's stumble toward war, and I remember these days clearly…” quote by Dave Eggers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6c5/dave-eggers-638_war_wars-can-come-in-different-shapes-and-gu_2088515.jpg)
![“What is the answer?" [ I [Alice B Toklas] was silent ] In that case, what is the question?” quote by Gertrude Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eec/gertrude-stein-667_last-words_what-is-the-answer-i-alice-b-toklas-was_43063.jpg)
