Army Quote by Peter Weiss
“We're all so clogged with dead ideas passed from generation to generation that even the best of us don't know the way out We invented the Revolution but we don't know how to run it Look everyone wants to keep something from the past a souvenir of the old regime This man decides to keep a painting This one keeps his mistress He [ pointing ] keeps his garden He [ pointing ] keeps his estate He keeps his country house He keeps his factories This man couldn't part with his shipyards This one kept his army and that one keeps his king”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Persecution and Murder of Jean-Paul Marat, 1963
People cling to outdated possessions, preventing societal change; letting go is essential for progress.
In simple terms: Holding onto old things blocks new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Release attachments to enable transformation.
Themes
change
tradition
attachment
societal progress
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family heirlooms
- corporate legacy
- national heritage
- personal collections
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you lose if you let go?
- How can societies honor the past while innovating?
A Different Perspective
Some attachments provide identity and security.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
