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Quotes about change

166 quotes from 131 people

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The two parties which divide the state, the party of Conservatism and that of Innovation, are very old, and have disputed the possession of the world ever since it was made.
Ralph Waldo Emerson1803–1882The Conservative (1841)
- Politics
In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, “I don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.” To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: “If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.”
G. K. Chesterton1874–1936The Thing (1929), Ch. IV: “The Drift From Domesticity”
- Wisdom
The greatest changes in social life are wrought imperceptibly, and are only seen from afar.
Anatole France1844–1924The White Stone (1905), Ch. III, p. 135
- History
We patch and tinker more than we renew. The novelty soaks in; it stains the ancient mass; but it is also tinged by what absorbs it.
William James1842–1910Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking (1907), Lecture V, Pragmatism and Common Sense
If we would bring about a sane and happy society we must begin with ourselves and not with another, not outside of ourselves, but with ourselves.
Jiddu Krishnamurti1895–1986Second Public Talk at Ojai (21 May 1944), in Authentic Report of Ten Talks, Ojai, 1944 (1945), p. 7
The progressive world is necessarily divided into two classes — those who take the best of what there is and enjoy it — those who wish for something better and try to create it.
Florence Nightingale1820–1910Cassandra (1860)
- Motivation & Goals
Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.
Nelson Mandela1918–2013Inaugural celebration address (1994)
- Hope
We are told we must choose — the old or the new. In fact, we must choose both. What is a life if not a series of negotiations between the old and the new?
Susan Sontag1933–2004Frankfurt Book Fair speech (2003)
- Life & Death
If the world is to change for the better it must start with a change in human consciousness, in the very humanness of modern man.
Václav Havel1936–2011Disturbing the Peace (1986), Ch. 1: Growing Up “Outside”, p. 11
Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world.
Alan Rickman1946–2016Interview: Alan Rickman on “Nobel Son” by Aaron Hillis, IFC.com (4 December 2008)
- Acting
- Art
If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.
Frederick Douglass1817–1895West India Emancipation (If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress) (1857)
- Freedom
One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution.
Malala Yousafzaiborn 1997Speech to the United Nations Youth Assembly, New York (12 July 2013)
- Education
The wind of change is blowing through this continent. Whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact.
Harold Macmillan1894–1986Speech to the Parliament of South Africa, Cape Town (3 February 1960)
- Politics
It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.
Lewis Carroll1832–1898Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), Chapter XIn context
- Time
We know what we are, but know not what we may be.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Hamlet (c. 1600), Act IV, Scene V, spoken by OpheliaIn context
- Character