
Source: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter six: "The Limits of American Internationalism—Looking Ahead"
Context: Satisfied powers are those that have reached the top of the pecking order, are happy with their lot, and are primarily interested in preserving the status quo. In contrast, rising powers are states on the move. They are not satisfied with their lot, are usually struggling for recognition and influence, and are therefore looking for ways to overturn the status quo. In general terms, satisfied states extend commitments abroad when they must, not when they can. They are motivated by necessity rather than opportunity. Rising states extend commitments abroad when they can, not when they must. They are motivated by opportunity rather than necessity.
Source: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
“Necessity when threatening is more powerful than device of man.”
Efficacior omni arte imminens necessitas.
IV, 3, 23.
Historiarum Alexandri Magni Macedonis Libri Qui Supersunt, Book IV
After being wounded during the attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife (24 July 1797), as quoted in The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson with Notes (1845) edited Nicholas Harris Nicolas, Vol. II : 1795-1797, p. 423
1790s
In p. 163.
Sources, The Yoga Darsana Of Patanjali With The Sankhya Pravacana Commentary Of Vyasa
“Neither pleasure nor pain should enter as motives when one must do what must be done.”
Source: Ride the Tiger: A Survival Manual for the Aristocrats of the Soul
"Originals Graphics Multiples" (1973) <!-- as quoted in Man Ray : American Artist (1988) by Neil Baldwin, p. 323 -->
Context: An original is a creation motivated by desire.
Any reproduction of an original is motivated by necessity.
The original is the result of an automatic process, the reproduction, of a mechanical process. In other words: Inspiration then information; each validates the other.
All other considerations are beyond the scope of these statements.
It is marvelous that we are the only species that creates gratuitous forms. To create is divine, to reproduce is human.
Quoted in: Sunil Goonasekera (1991) George Keyt, Interpretations. p. 146
Talking about the means in painting
1910 - 1915, Concerning the Spiritual in Art, 1911
UN Speech on the HeForShe campaign (2014)
Context: In 1997, Hillary Clinton made a famous speech in Beijing about women’s rights. Sadly many of the things she wanted to change are still true today.
But what stood out for me the most was that less than 30 per cent of the audience were male. How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?
Men — I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too.