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About this quote

What does it mean?
Human progress is not a straight line; it moves forward but loops back on itself repeatedly.
In plain terms
We advance over time, but we often revisit similar challenges.
What can you take from it?
Expect setbacks as part of growth.

Where it applies

  • studying history
  • personal development
  • organizational change

Putting it to work

  • track long-term trends
  • accept recurring problems

Questions to consider

  • How do you recognize progress in your own life?
  • Is repetition always a sign of lack of progress?

Another view

Some progress might be linear rather than spiral.

More from Anne Louise Germaine de Stael

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  2. The desire of the man is for the woman, but the desire of the woman is for the desire of the man.

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  3. Sow good services: sweet remembrances will grow from them.

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