"Has there ever been a society which has died of dissent? Several have died of conformity in our lifetime"
- Jacob Bronowski
About this Quote
This quote by Jacob Bronowski is a powerful declaration about the threats of conformity. He is recommending that while dissent can be unsafe, it is conformity that is more likely to cause the death of a society. He is suggesting that when a society conforms to a certain set of beliefs or values, it can become stagnant and not able to adapt to altering scenarios. This can lead to the death of the society, as it is not able to survive in an altering world. Bronowski is recommending that dissent is essential for a society to remain alive and vibrant, as it permits new ideas and viewpoints to be checked out. He is likewise implying that in our life time, several societies have died due to conformity, suggesting that it is a genuine and present risk. This quote functions as a reminder of the significance of dissent and the requirement to challenge the status quo in order to ensure the survival of a society.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"