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About this quote

What does it mean?
A future society might choose to stop endless progress and enjoy unused possibilities rather than chase new ambitions.
In plain terms
Freedom may mean leaving some possibilities untouched instead of constantly striving for new goals.
What can you take from it?
Choosing restraint can be an act of freedom.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • cultural vision

Putting it to work

  • rethink progress metrics
  • embrace idle time

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to 'leave possibilities unused'?
  • Is restraint compatible with innovation?

Another view

Some argue continual development is necessary for survival.

More from Theodor Adorno

  1. 'People at the top are closing ranks so tightly that all possibility of subjective deviation has gone, and difference can be sought only in the more distinguis…

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  2. 'Proletarian language is dictated by hunger. The poor chew words to fill their bellies.'

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  3. 'Only a humanity to whom death has become as indifferent as its members, that has itself died, can inflict it administratively on innumerable people.'

    Permalink to quote #68

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