Enemy Quote by Will Durant
“Nature smiles at the union of freedom and equality in our utopias. For freedom and equality are sworn and everlasting enemies, and when one prevails the other dies.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, Will Durant, 1935
Freedom and equality are opposing forces; when one dominates, the other perishes, highlighting a tension in ideal societies.
In simple terms: Freedom and equality clash; one wins, the other dies.
Key Takeaway
Balance both values to avoid sacrificing one for the other.
Themes
politics
philosophy
society
ethics
justice
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- social movements
- education curricula
- community building
Key Concepts
dualism
trade‑offs
utopia
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a society truly have both absolute freedom and absolute equality?
- What compromises are acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Balancing both may be impossible in practice.
