"Like the winds that we come we know not whence and blow whither soever they list, the forces of society are derived from an obscure and distant origin. They arise before the date of philosophy, from the instincts, not the speculations of men"

Adam Ferguson, a popular Scottish theorist and historian of the 18th century, sheds light on the enigmatic origins and development of societal forces in this quote. His metaphorical contrast of societal forces to the winds, which come from unknown sources and take a trip towards unsure destinations, highlights their strange and unpredictable nature. Like the wind, the forces that shape society are not easily traced back to a singular beginning or directed towards a particular end, suggesting an intrinsic complexity in the advancement of social structures.

The phrase "the forces of society are stemmed from an odd and distant origin" implies that the roots of societal dynamics extend far back in time, beyond the reach of documented history and philosophical reflection. Ferguson asserts that these forces originate in "the impulses, not the speculations of guys", highlighting a fundamental distinction in between inherent human propensities and the logical, purposeful musings of philosophical minds. This difference suggests that the foundational components of society emerge naturally from humanity itself-- our impulses, feelings, and subconscious drives-- instead of from conscious, intellectual consideration.

Ferguson acknowledges that social advancement predates the formal borders of intellectual discourse. The "date of approach" represents the start of systematic thought and reasoned analysis, yet the societal undercurrents that influence human habits emerged long before philosophy might record or justify them. Therefore, the development of society is depicted as a continuous process driven more by experiential and instinctual factors than by cold, sensible evaluation.

In essence, Ferguson's words stimulate a sense of humility relating to humankind's understanding of its own social constructs. It highlights the complexity and antiquity of the forces that form societies, prompting an acknowledgment that while logical idea contributes, it is not the sole driver of human social development. This highlights the elaborate and typically unconscious interplay in between instinct and reason that characterizes the human experience.