We are citizens of an age, as well as of a State; and if it is held to be unseemly, or even inadmissable, for a man to cut himself off from the customs and manners of the circle in which he lives, why should it be less of a duty, in the choice of his activity, to submit his decision to the needs and the taste of his century?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Just as one follows social customs, one should align activities with the needs of the times.
- In plain terms
- If you follow social manners, you should also fit your work to the era's needs.
- What can you take from it?
- Align your work with the needs of your time.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does your work serve your time?
- How much should you adapt?
Another view
Conforming too much can stifle progress.
More from Friedrich von Schiller
Lo, the dead shall rise to heaven! Brethren hail the blest decree; Every sin shall be forgiven, Hell forever cease to be!
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