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About this quote

What does it mean?
Civilization survives only if we find meaning and hope in our thoughts.
In plain terms
Our society needs hope and meaning to continue progressing.
What can you take from it?
Fight despair by finding purpose in life.

Where it applies

  • societal decline
  • political unrest
  • mental health

Putting it to work

  • find purpose
  • support others
  • engage in service

Questions to consider

  • Where do you find meaning?
  • How do you combat hopelessness?

Another view

Individual hope may not stop large-scale societal collapse.

More from Albert Schweitzer

  1. The first step in the evolution of ethics is an enlargement of the sense of solidarity with other human beings.

    Permalink to quote #105
  2. The only important thing in life are the traces of love that we leave behind when we have to leave unasked and say farewell.

    Permalink to quote #107
  3. Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

    Permalink to quote #104

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