Freedom Quote by Philip Pullman
““Every advance in human life, every scrap of knowledge and wisdom and decency we have has been torn by one side from the teeth of the other. Every little increase in human freedom has been fought over ferociously between those who want us to know more and be wiser and stronger, and those who want us to obey and be humble and submit.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Book of Dust, 2017
Progress in knowledge and freedom is contested by opposing forces of enlightenment and control.
In simple terms: Advancement faces resistance from those who want to keep people obedient.
Recognize and challenge forces that limit freedom.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education reform
- political activism
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms are you willing to fight for?
- Who benefits from keeping knowledge restricted?
Change can be slow and met with backlash.