For better to come, good must stand aside.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence encapsulated in the phrase "For better to come, good must stand aside" resonates with the profound idea that progress often demands the relinquishment of the merely satisfactory. This quote underscores the dynamic interplay between the status quo, symbolized by the 'good,' and the potential for improvement, embodied by the 'better.' At its core, this maxim suggests that the pursuit of excellence requires us to transcend the comfort of the present good, stepping into the realm of uncertainty and change.
To grasp the depth of this wisdom, it is crucial to recognize that 'good' here does not connote malevolence or inadequacy; rather, it represents a state of contentment, a condition where things are acceptable but not necessarily optimal. This implies that, for progress to materialize, individuals and societies must be willing to challenge the very things that may be deemed satisfactory. It beckons us to question the adequacy of our current circumstances and to dare to envision and strive for something superior.
The concept embedded in the quote also touches upon the inherent tension between comfort and growth. Human nature often inclines towards stability, and there is a natural inclination to resist change. The phrase serves as a reminder that the path to improvement demands a departure from the familiar, a courageous step into the unknown. This departure, however, is not a rejection of the good; rather, it's a recognition that, in certain instances, the good might be the adversary of the better.
Considered from a philosophical standpoint, the quote encourages a nuanced understanding of the dialectics of progress. It prompts us to view the journey towards improvement not as a linear trajectory but as a complex process of negotiation, where the virtues of the present must sometimes yield to the promises of the future. It invites introspection, challenging us to evaluate our personal and collective aspirations, compelling us to discern whether our allegiance to the good may be inhibiting the realization of a superior state of being.
In essence, the profundity of the quote lies in its ability to provoke contemplation on the nature of evolution and advancement. It advocates for a mindset that is open to the transformative power of change, urging us to recognize that, at times, the path to a brighter tomorrow necessitates bidding farewell to the comfort of today's goodness. It is a call to embrace the inherent dynamism of progress, acknowledging that the pursuit of betterment requires the courage to stand against the inertia of the good.
Who said the quote?
The quote "For better to come, good must stand aside." is often attributed to Carl Jung (Quotes). Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist who founded analytical psychology, exploring the depths of the human psyche through concepts like the collective unconscious and archetypes.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
