--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: At every crossway on the road that leads…" description: "\"“At every crossway on the road that leads to the future, each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand men appointed to guard the past.”\" — Maurice ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a18/maurice-maeterlinck-3952_time_at-every-crossway-on-the-road-that-leads_325223.jpg" --- # At every crossway on the road that leads to the future… ![“At every crossway on the road that leads to the future, each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand men appointed to guard the past.” quote by Maurice Maeterlinck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a18/maurice-maeterlinck-3952_time_at-every-crossway-on-the-road-that-leads_325223.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a18/maurice-maeterlinck-3952_time_at-every-crossway-on-the-road-that-leads_325223.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a18/maurice-maeterlinck-3952_time_at-every-crossway-on-the-road-that-leads_325223.jpg) > ““At every crossway on the road that leads to the future, each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand men appointed to guard the past.”” [Maurice Maeterlinck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maurice-maeterlinck/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Progressive ideas face resistance from entrenched traditions that protect the past. **In simple terms:** New ideas meet strong opposition. Key Takeaway Expect and address resistance to change. Themes progress tradition conflict Mood thoughtful inspired Type historical motivational When to use this quote - innovation rollout - policy reform - cultural shifts - academic research Key Concepts social dynamics history psychology Questions to Reflect On - Who are the “guardians” in your field? - How can you turn opposition into dialogue? A Different Perspective Resistance can be constructive, not just obstructive. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [At every crossroad on the way that leads to the future, each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand men appointed to guard the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maurice-maeterlinck/at-every-crossroad-on-the-way-that-leads-to-the-future-each/) [Maurice Maeterlinck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maurice-maeterlinck/) > [“Each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand mediocre minds appointed to guard the past.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maurice-maeterlinck/each-progressive-spirit-is-opposed-by-a-thousand-mediocre-minds/) [Maurice Maeterlinck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maurice-maeterlinck/) > [At every crossway on the path that leads to the future, each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand men appointed to guard the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maurice-maeterlinck/at-every-crossway-on-the-path-that-leads-to-the-future-each/) [Maurice Maeterlinck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maurice-maeterlinck/) > [At every crossroads on the path that leads to the future, tradition has placed 10,000 men to guard the past.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maurice-maeterlinck/at-every-crossroads-on-the-path-that-leads-to-the-future-tradition/) [Maurice Maeterlinck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maurice-maeterlinck/) > [I played point guard in the past and I know myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shai-gilgeous-alexander/i-played-point-guard-in-the-past-and-i-know-myself/) [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shai-gilgeous-alexander/) > [Where, where was Roderick then? 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