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Bits Quote by John Masefield

“State are not made, nor patched; they grow; Grow slow through centuries of pain, And grow correctly in the main; But only grow by certain laws, Of certain bits in certain jaws.” quote by John Masefield
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“State are not made, nor patched; they grow; Grow slow through centuries of pain, And grow correctly in the main; But only grow by certain laws, Of certain bits in certain jaws.”

John Masefield

About This Quote

Source Poem: The State, 1915

Societies develop gradually through suffering and natural laws, not by sudden fixes, requiring patience and adherence to underlying principles.

In simple terms: Societies grow slowly through pain and natural rules.

Key Takeaway

Respect the slow, law‑driven evolution of societies.

Themes

society growth patience law history evolution

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • urban planning
  • cultural change
  • education systems

Key Concepts

systems theory organic development institutional theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What long‑term laws shape your community?
  • How can change respect these underlying principles?
A Different Perspective

Rapid reforms often ignore deep‑rooted structural constraints.

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