I cannot help fearing that men may reach a point where they look on every new theory as a danger, every innovation as a toilsome trouble, every social advance as a first step toward revolution, and that they may absolutely refuse to move at all.

Summary

This quote expresses a concern about the possibility of individuals becoming resistant to change and progress. It suggests that there is a danger in society becoming so apprehensive of new ideas and advancements that people eventually refuse to embrace any form of development. The quote warns against an attitude that deems all innovation as burdensome and perceives any societal progress as a precursor to revolution. It underlines the potential consequence of stagnation should people become unwilling to move forward.

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