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Darkness Quote by Nicolas de Condorcet

“But if it be true, as every prospect assures us, that the human race shall not again relapse into its ancient barbarity; if every thing ought to assure us against that pusillanimous and corrupt system which condemns man to eternal oscillations between truth and falsehood, liberty and servitude, we…” quote by Nicolas de Condorcet
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““But if it be true, as every prospect assures us, that the human race shall not again relapse into its ancient barbarity; if every thing ought to assure us against that pusillanimous and corrupt system which condemns man to eternal oscillations between truth and falsehood, liberty and servitude, we must, at the same time, perceive that the light of information is spread over a small part only of our globe; and the number of those who possess real instruction, seems to vanish in the comparison with the mass of men consigned over to ignorance and prejudice. We behold vast countries groaning under slavery, and presenting nations in one place, degraded by the vices of civilization, so corrupt as to impede the progress of man; and in others, still vegetating in the infancy of its early age. We perceive that the exertions of these last ages have done much for the progress of the human mind, but little for the perfection of the human species; much for the glory of man, somewhat for his liberty, but scarcely any thing yet for his happiness. In a few directions, our eyes are struck with a dazzling light; but thick darkness still covers an immense horison.””

Nicolas de Condorcet

About This Quote

Source Speech: Enlightenment Era Treatise

Human progress is hindered by ignorance; true knowledge is scarce, and darkness persists despite advances

In simple terms: Ignorance limits progress; knowledge is scarce and darkness remains

Key Takeaway

Pursue knowledge and combat ignorance

Themes

progress knowledge ignorance humanity civilization political theory

Mood

somber inquisitive

Type

Darkness:1 History:0 Human mind:1 Human race:1 Marquis-de-condorcet:0 Political theory:1 Progress:1 Sociology:0 Truth:1 Corrupt System:1 Ur Eyes:0 Ignorance Prejudice:1 Civilization Corrupt:1 Falsehood Liberty:0 Prejudice Behold:0

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • educational reform
  • media literacy

Key Concepts

philosophy of education social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies spread true instruction?
  • What obstacles prevent enlightenment?
A Different Perspective

Even with knowledge, power structures may resist change

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