Skip to content

Men Quote by T. E. Lawrence

“We lived many lives in those whirling campaigns, never sparing ourselves; yet when we achieved, and the new world dawned, the old men came out again and took our victory to re-make in the likeness of the former world they knew.” quote by T. E. Lawrence
Download Open image
“We lived many lives in those whirling campaigns, never sparing ourselves; yet when we achieved, and the new world dawned, the old men came out again and took our victory to re-make in the likeness of the former world they knew.”

T. E. Lawrence

About This Quote

Source Book: Seven Pillars of Wisdom, 1926

After triumph, old powers often reassert control, reshaping victories to fit their familiar narratives.

In simple terms: Success can be co‑opted by established forces.

Key Takeaway

Guard achievements against being repurposed by the status quo.

Themes

power history legacy control

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political change
  • social movements
  • cultural shifts
  • post‑war reconstruction

Key Concepts

hegemony revolution nostalgia

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who benefits from preserving old structures?
  • How can innovators protect their gains?
A Different Perspective

New orders may resist change, limiting lasting impact.

2.2 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by T. E. Lawrence

Explore all 62 T. E. Lawrence quotes

More Men quotes

Browse all 84,236 Men quotes