Quote by Christopher Hitchens

When people have tried everything and have discovered that nothing works, they will tend to revert to what they know best which will often be the tribe, the totem, or the taboo.

When people have tried everything and have discovered that n

Summary

This quote highlights the tendency of individuals to cling to familiar and ingrained societal structures when all else fails. When faced with numerous unsuccessful attempts, people often seek refuge in their tribe, their deep-rooted beliefs, or well-established cultural practices. This is because tribes provide a sense of security, identity, and shared values that can offer solace and meaning in times of uncertainty or failure. It reflects the human instinct to seek comfort in the known, even if it means relying on limitations or restrictions that may hinder personal growth and progress.

Topics

Africa Tribalism Hopelessness Primitivism Taboo

By Christopher Hitchens

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Your body must become familiar with its death -- in all its

Your body must become familiar with its death -- in all its possible forms and degrees -- as a self-evident, imminent, and emotionally neutral step on the way towards the goal you have found worthy of your life.

Dag Hammarskjold

Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of

Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising.

Advertising Rights Irony Humorous Sexual Innuendos

...Granny Weatherwax, who had walked nightly without fear in

...Granny Weatherwax, who had walked nightly without fear in the bandit-haunted forests of the mountains all her life in the certain knowledge that the darkness held nothing more terrible than she was...

Terry Pratchett

Dad

Let's stop being so damn judgemental & crucifying everyone w

Let's stop being so damn judgemental & crucifying everyone who doesn't fit into our boxed-in perceptions of what is right.

Gillian Anderson

Prejudice

The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success,

The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.

Serenity

Behave so the aroma of your actions may enhance the general

Behave so the aroma of your actions may enhance the general sweetness of the atmosphere.

Henry David Thoreau

Manners

I was telling the truth. I feel like we got that point acros

I was telling the truth. I feel like we got that point across.

Truth

Too often in the past, U.S. leaders have forced Israel to pa

Too often in the past, U.S. leaders have forced Israel to pay the price for American strategic interests in the Middle East - through concessions in the peace process as well as passivity in the face of Iraqi attacks.

Peace

Some people who think that everything is a nail, are down on

Some people who think that everything is a nail, are down on themselves because they are not a hammer. They tend to deprecate their own unique talents and capacities to use a chisel or a pair of pliers.

Potential

I don't think poetry is something that can be taught. We can

I don't think poetry is something that can be taught. We can encourage young writers, but what you can't teach them is the very essence of poetry.

Poetry

The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible vict

The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.

War

Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knoc

Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Persistence