Calling Quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Now it has appeared to me unfair that humanity should be engaged perpetually in calling all those things bad which have been good enough to make other things better, in everlastingly kicking down the ladder by which it has climbed. It has appeared to me that progress should be something else besides a continual parricide; therefore I have investigated the dust-heaps of humanity, and found a treasure in all of them. I have found that humanity is not incidentally engaged, but eternally and systematically engaged, in throwing gold into the gutter and diamonds into the sea.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton, 1908
Humanity often discards valuable things while praising lesser ones, leading to self‑destructive progress.
In simple terms: We waste good things while chasing bad ones.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and preserve true value.
Themes
value
progress
self‑destruction
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- politics
- environment
- economics
- personal habits
Key Concepts
ethical paradox
cultural criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly valuable things are we neglect?
- How can we protect what is beneficial?
A Different Perspective
Even good intentions can cause harm if misdirected.
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
