To-day is the parent of to-morrow. The present casts its shadow far into the future. That is the law of life, individual and social. Revolution that divests itself of ethical values thereby lays the foundation of injustice, deceit, and oppression for the future society. The means used to prepare the future become its cornerstone.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The present shapes the future; unethical means today create an unjust tomorrow. Ethical values must guide revolutionary change.
- In plain terms
- How you act today decides how tomorrow will be. Do not use bad methods to fix the future.
- What can you take from it?
- Ethics in the present define the future society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you do now for tomorrow?
- Can bad means lead to good ends?
Another view
Sometimes immediate survival demands compromise on ethical ideals.
More from Emma Goldman
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Permalink to quote #35 Its first ethical precept is the identity of means used and aims sought. The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of hu…
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