Where there is no strife there is decay: The mixture which is not shaken decomposes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Without conflict, things stagnate and decay; unshaken mixtures break down over time.
- In plain terms
- Lack of conflict leads to decay; shaking prevents stagnation.
- What can you take from it?
- Allow healthy tension to keep systems vibrant.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What balance of conflict sustains vitality?
- How can we manage productive tension?
Another view
Too much conflict can also be destructive.
More from Heraclitus
We are most nearly ourselves when we achieve the seriousness of the child at play.
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Permalink to quote #54 War is the father and king of all: some he has made gods, and some men; some slaves and some free.
Permalink to quote #51
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