"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
About this Quote
This quote by Adam Ferguson speaks to the power of society and how it is stemmed from an unknown source. He recommends that the forces of society originated from a place that is beyond the world of viewpoint and human understanding. He implies that these forces are driven by instinct rather than mindful idea. This recommends that society is driven by something that is innate and beyond our control. He also recommends that these forces are unforeseeable and can take us in any direction. This quote talks to the power of society and how it is something that is beyond our control. It is a reminder that we need to know the power of society and how it can shape our lives.
"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"