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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ideas devour centuries as men are devoured by their passions; when humanity heals, perhaps humanity will heal.
In plain terms
Ideas consume ages just as passions consume people; healing ideas may heal humanity.
What can you take from it?
Transforming ideas can lead to societal healing.

Where it applies

  • social reform
  • educational change

Putting it to work

  • promote constructive ideas
  • manage destructive passions

Questions to consider

  • Can ideas truly heal societies?
  • What role do passions play in progress?

Another view

The metaphor may oversimplify complex historical processes.

More from Honore de Balzac

  1. Quand la religion et la royaute seront abattues, le peuple en viendra aux grands, apres les grands il s'en prendra aux riches.

    Permalink to quote #112
  2. Nos plus cruels ennemis sont nos proches... Les rois n'ont ni freres, ni fils, ni mere.

    Permalink to quote #114
  3. A ceux qui ont epuise la politique, il ne reste plus que la pensee pure.

    Permalink to quote #111

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