One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.

Summary

This quote highlights the danger of complacency and a resistance to change within societies. It suggests that throughout history, many people have failed to recognize and adapt to significant periods of social transformation. It emphasizes that every society has individuals who cling to the existing order and others who are apathetic to major shifts. The quote asserts that in contemporary times, our survival depends on our capacity to stay alert, embrace novel concepts, stay vigilant, and confront the demands and opportunities presented by change.

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