The heresy of one age becomes the orthodoxy of the next.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of societal beliefs and norms. It suggests that ideas or beliefs that were once considered heretical or unconventional in one era can eventually become widely accepted and even become the prevailing orthodoxy in a later time.
Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where ideas or perspectives that challenged the existing order were initially met with resistance, skepticism, or even condemnation. However, as societies progress and evolve, new evidence, shifts in values, and changing social dynamics can lead to a reevaluation of previously held beliefs. The quote implies that what was once seen as radical or heretical can eventually become embraced as the norm.
This concept speaks to the inherent capacity of human societies to adapt and evolve in response to new knowledge and changing circumstances. It encourages openness to different perspectives, critical thinking, and the willingness to challenge prevailing beliefs. It reminds us that our understanding of truth and what is considered "normal" is not fixed, but subject to evolution over time.
This quote serves as a reminder that societal progress often requires the courage to challenge established dogmas and embrace new ideas. It invites us to question prevailing beliefs and encourages a spirit of intellectual curiosity and openness to alternative viewpoints. It reminds us that history has shown that what was once considered heresy can ultimately shape the future and redefine the boundaries of accepted wisdom.
Who said the quote?
The quote "The heresy of one age becomes the orthodoxy of the next." was said by Helen Keller (Bio / Quotes). Helen Keller was an American author, political activist, and lecturer who was deaf and blind from a young age.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One compelling historical example of the quote "The heresy of one age becomes the orthodoxy of the next" can be found in the evolution of scientific thought regarding heliocentrism. In the 16th century, the idea that the Earth revolved around the Sun, proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus, was considered heretical. The prevailing view, supported by the Catholic Church, was that the Earth was the center of the universe, as articulated by the geocentric model of Claudius Ptolemy. This Earth-centered view was not just a scientific belief but was deeply intertwined with theological and philosophical ideas about humanity’s place in the cosmos.
Copernicus' heliocentric theory, which placed the Sun at the center and described the Earth as one of the planets orbiting it, was revolutionary and controversial. His ideas challenged the established religious and scientific doctrines of the time, leading to significant opposition. Galileo Galilei, who supported Copernican theory through his telescopic observations, faced intense scrutiny and was famously tried by the Roman Catholic Church for heresy. The church held that Galileo’s views contradicted scripture and the established order of the cosmos.
However, over the centuries, scientific advancements and further observations confirmed the heliocentric model. By the late 17th century, with the works of Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton providing robust mathematical and physical foundations for heliocentrism, the idea was no longer seen as heretical but as fundamental to modern astronomy. Today, heliocentrism is an accepted scientific fact, and the Earth-centered view is seen as a historical curiosity rather than a credible theory. Thus, what was once deemed heretical in Copernicus' time became the accepted orthodoxy of modern science.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote "The heresy of one age becomes the orthodoxy of the next" to a real-life scenario involves recognizing how revolutionary ideas can be initially met with resistance but may eventually reshape the norms and beliefs of future generations.
Consider the example of LGBTQ+ rights. For much of history, same-sex relationships and gender diversity were stigmatized and persecuted. In many societies, such expressions were considered taboo or even illegal, and those who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights were often marginalized or labeled as deviant.
However, as social attitudes have evolved and scientific understanding has advanced, perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights have changed dramatically. Activists and advocates who were once considered controversial or radical are now leading significant societal shifts toward acceptance and equality. For example, the push for marriage equality, which faced significant opposition and was viewed as a radical notion just a few decades ago, has now become widely accepted in many countries around the world.
This transformation illustrates how ideas that challenge the status quo can, over time, become integrated into mainstream beliefs and practices. The acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights today reflects a broader trend of evolving social norms where once controversial ideas gain legitimacy and become established principles. What was once deemed heretical or unacceptable has become a part of the orthodoxy of contemporary values, showing how dynamic and fluid societal norms can be.
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.
