---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This is the tragedy of almost every…"
description: "\"“This is the tragedy of almost every civilization—that its soul is in its faith, and seldom survives philosophy.”\" — Will Durant"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e5/will-durant-948_faith_this-is-the-tragedy-of-almost-every-civi_17079.png"
---

#  This is the tragedy of almost every civilization—that its…

![“This is the tragedy of almost every civilization—that its soul is in its faith, and seldom survives philosophy.” quote by Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e5/will-durant-948_faith_this-is-the-tragedy-of-almost-every-civi_17079.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e5/will-durant-948_faith_this-is-the-tragedy-of-almost-every-civi_17079.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7e5/will-durant-948_faith_this-is-the-tragedy-of-almost-every-civi_17079.png)

> ““This is the tragedy of almost every civilization—that its soul is in its faith, and seldom survives philosophy.””

[Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-durant/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Civilizations often prioritize religious belief over rational inquiry, leading to cultural stagnation when faith dominates intellectual life.

**In simple terms:** Faith can eclipse philosophy, hindering progress.

Key Takeaway

Balance belief and reason.

Themes

civilization faith philosophy culture intellectual history

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical cultural

When to use this quote

- historical analysis
- cultural criticism
- education policy

Key Concepts

religion reason societal development

Practical Applications

- curriculum design
- public discourse

Questions to Reflect On

- How can societies nurture both faith and critical thought?
- What mechanisms protect philosophy from being marginalized?

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[Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) [Tragedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tragedy/)

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