The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order.

What's the meaning of this quote?

Quote Meaning: This quote encapsulates the notion that progress requires a delicate balance between preserving stability and embracing necessary change. It suggests that navigating the complexities of growth and transformation involves maintaining a sense of order amidst shifting circumstances while also fostering an openness to adapt and evolve.

The quote acknowledges that change is a fundamental aspect of life and society. It recognizes that progress is not achieved by completely discarding existing structures or traditions but by finding ways to integrate innovation, new ideas, and advancements while preserving essential elements of order, continuity, and stability.

ELEVATE
Free Resource: A step-by-step blueprint to realize your dreams

By emphasizing the importance of preserving order amid change, the quote promotes the idea that stability provides a foundation for growth and ensures a sense of coherence and purpose. It suggests that by maintaining fundamental principles, values, and structures, individuals and societies can navigate change more effectively and avoid chaos or disruption.

At the same time, the quote highlights the need to preserve change amid order. It acknowledges that clinging too rigidly to the status quo can stifle innovation and hinder progress. It encourages embracing new perspectives, challenging outdated norms, and fostering an environment that allows for experimentation, adaptation, and the incorporation of fresh ideas.

Who said the quote?

The quote "The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order." was said by Alfred North Whitehead (Bio / Quotes). Alfred North Whitehead was a British mathematician and philosopher, known for his works on logic, mathematics, and metaphysics, including his collaboration with Bertrand Russell on "Principia Mathematica."

Subscribe to get more wisdom:  
Reading is Good. Applying is Better:  Apply

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.

 
Elevate In Your Inbox
Get actionable insights, suggested reads, and wisdom you can apply — No hype, No fluff. Just practical ideas that might change your life.
Access my Start With WHY workbook for free, designed to guide you toward your purpose and the person you are meant to become
expert_advice
Align With Your Why
Actualize Your Potential
Get my simplified process for realizing dreams (The exact process that enabled me to achieve 100 life goals in 10 years)
GET IT FREE:

Read The Art of Fully Living

There's no going back-once you embark on the journey you're meant to live, it's impossible to settle for anything less than your dreams.

Click here to learn more

Set Better Goals

Learn a better and smarter approach to setting and achieving goals. It's not just about what you want to achieve, but who you must become in the process.

Click here to learn more
Take The Free Test
Discover your areas for growth in just 5 minutes. Take the FREE self-evaluation test and pinpoint where to focus your efforts

Uplevel Your Game

Apply Best Practices

Access a self-paced online roadmap that turns big goals into realities, complete with daily study guides, actionable steps, and proven practices from the world's best minds
Master the book's teaching and apply it to your daily life—A 10-day immersive course, complete with daily study guides and practical audio lessons.
Apply the wisdom of the world’s most transformational books and influential minds