The reason for the slow progress of the world seems to lie in a single fact. Every man is born under the yoke, and grows up beneath the oppressions of his age. He can only get a vision of the unselfish forces in the world by appealing to them, and every appeal is a call to arms. If he fights he must fight, not one man, but a conspiracy. He is always at war with a civilization. On his side is proverbial philosophy, a galaxy of invisible saints and sages, and the half-developed consciousness and professions of everybody. Against him is the world, and every selfish passion in his own heart.

Summary

This quote suggests that the slow progress of the world can be attributed to the fact that every individual is born and raised in a society that is oppressive and restrictive. In order to see the selfless forces at work, one must actively seek them out and fight against the oppressive systems and structures that exist. This fight is not against one individual but against a collective system or civilization. However, one is not alone in this battle as there is proverbial wisdom, invisible enlightened figures, and the inherent potential in all individuals that can be harnessed. On the opposing side is not only the world as a whole but also the selfish inclinations present within oneself.

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