Far better to think historically, to remember the lessonsof the past. Thus, far better to conceive of power as consisting in part ofthe knowledge of when not to use all the power you have. Far better to be onewho knows that if you reserve the power not to
Conflictis the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory. Itinstigates to invention. It shocks us out of sheeplikepassivity, and sets us at noting and contriving.
The mostintense conflicts, if overcome, leave behind a sense of security and calmthat is not easily disturbed. It is just these intense conflicts and theirconflagration which are needed to produce valuable and lasting results.
