--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For in spite of itself any movement that…" description: "\"For in spite of itself any movement that thinks and acts in terms of an ‘ism becomes so involved in reaction against other ‘isms that it is unwittingly..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/233/john-dewey-545_constructive_for-in-spite-of-itself-any-movement-that_984459.png" --- # For in spite of itself any movement that thinks and acts… ![“For in spite of itself any movement that thinks and acts in terms of an ‘ism becomes so involved in reaction against other ‘isms that it is unwittingly controlled by them. For it then forms its principles by reaction against them instead of by a comprehensive, constructive survey of actual needs…” quote by John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/233/john-dewey-545_constructive_for-in-spite-of-itself-any-movement-that_984459.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/233/john-dewey-545_constructive_for-in-spite-of-itself-any-movement-that_984459.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/233/john-dewey-545_constructive_for-in-spite-of-itself-any-movement-that_984459.png) > “For in spite of itself any movement that thinks and acts in terms of an ‘ism becomes so involved in reaction against other ‘isms that it is unwittingly controlled by them. For it then forms its principles by reaction against them instead of by a comprehensive, constructive survey of actual needs, problems, and possibilities.” [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Movements defined by opposition to other ideologies become trapped, losing constructive purpose. **In simple terms:** Opposing others limits progress. Key Takeaway Seek inclusive, problem‑focused solutions. Themes ism reaction movement dynamics Mood analytical inquisitive Type political philosophical When to use this quote - activist planning - policy development - community organizing - strategic meetings - educational curricula Key Concepts philosophy political theory systems thinking Questions to Reflect On - What needs are common across groups? - How can movements stay constructive? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on opposition can ignore shared goals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Isms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/isms/) [Movement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/movement/) [Possibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possibility/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Spite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spite/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [Melissa McCarthy just opened this new movie, 'Identity Thief,' and Rex Reed, who's a known critic, wrote a scathing commentary on her weight. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josh-gad/melissa-mccarthy-just-opened-this-new-movie-identity-thief-and-rex/) [Josh Gad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josh-gad/) > [The office of science is not to record possibilities; but to ascertain what nature does ... 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