Children Quote by Rebecca West
““A great empire cannot bring freedom by its own decay to those corners in it where a subject people are prevented from discussing the fundamentals of life. The people feel like children turned adrift to fend for themselves when the imperial routine breaks down; and they wander to and fro, given up to instinctive fears and antagonisms and exaltation until reason dares to take control. I had come to Yugoslavia to see what history meant in flesh and blood. I learned now that it might follow, because an empire passed, that a world full of strong men and women and rich food and heady wine might nevertheless seem like a shadow-show: that a man of every excellence might sit by a fire warming his hands in the vain hope of casting out a chill that lived not in the flesh.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Return of the King", 1934
Empires decay, leaving people feeling lost and fearful; true freedom requires rational control over chaos.
In simple terms: Empires collapse, leaving people fearful; reason must guide.
Key Takeaway
Seek rational agency in chaos.
Themes
politics
freedom
decay
reason
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- political theory
- social collapse
Key Concepts
imperialism
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does reason play in post‑imperial societies?
- How can individuals reclaim agency?
A Different Perspective
Reason may be suppressed by fear and tradition.
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