Arnold J. Toynbee
Arnold J. Toynbee
Arnold Joseph Toynbee CHwas a British historian, philosopher of history, research professor of International History at the London School of Economics and the University of London and author of numerous books. Toynbee in the 1918–1950 period was a leading specialist on international affairs...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionHistorian
Date of Birth14 April 1889
Arnold J. Toynbee quotes about
inspirational motivational anger
The human race's prospects of survival were considerably better when we were defenceless against tigers than they are today when we have become defenceless against ourselves.
men difficult-situations purpose
The absolute value of love makes life worth while, and so makes Man's strange and difficult situation acceptable. Love cannot save life from death; but it can fulfill life's purpose.
men power worship
Sooner or later, man has always had to decide whether he worships his own power or the power of God.
spiritual adequate curse
Material power that is not counterbalanced by adequate spiritual power, that is, by love and wisdom, is a curse
actors world matter
The West has never been all of the world that matters. The West has not been the only actor on the stage of modern history even at the peak of the West's power (and this peak has perhaps now already been passed)... It has not been the West that has been hit by the world; it has been the world that has been hit - and hit hard - by the West.
spiritual adversity doors
Adversity in the things of this world opens the door for spiritual salvation.
mother husband children
The world's greatest need . . . is mutual confidence. No human being ever knows all the secrets of another's heart. Yet there is enough confidence between mother and child, husband and wife, buyer and seller . . . to make social life a practical possibility. Confidence may be risky, but it is nothing like so risky as mistrust.
writing waiting feelings
Write regularly, day in and day out, at whatever times of day you find that you write best. Don't wait till you feel that you are in the mood. Write, whether you are feeling inclined to write or not.
dog small-rooms america
America is a large friendly dog in a small room. Every time it wags its tail it knocks over a chair.
believe civilization products
I do not believe that civilizations have to die because civilization is not an organism. It is a product of wills.
enthusiasm overcoming apathy
Apathy can be overcome by enthusiasm.
journey men cities
A city that outdistances man's walking powers is a trap for man.
historical intellectual use
History not used is nothing, for all intellectual life is action, like practical life, and if you don't use the stuff - well, it might as well be dead.
real struggle justice
The only real struggle in the history of the world ... is between the vested interest and social justice.