"To regard all things and principles of things as inconstant modes or fashions has more and more become the tendency of modern thought"

This quote by Walter Pater talks to the idea that contemporary idea is increasingly focused on the concept that all things and principles are continuously altering. This idea is often referred to as "flux" and is a main concept in numerous philosophical and religious customs. It suggests that absolutely nothing is permanent which all things remain in a state of constant change. This concept is often seen as a method to deal with the uncertainty of life and to accept that modification is inevitable. It also speaks to the idea that we should not end up being too attached to any one thing or concept, as it will ultimately change. This quote is a suggestion that modern-day idea is increasingly focused on the idea that nothing is permanent which we ought to be open to change.