Gilbert K. Chesterton Quotes

Reform always disappoints.

They realize at last that change does not mean reform, that change does not mean improvement.

The difference between reality and unreality is that reality has so little to recommend it.

Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.

There are many things we do not want about the world. Let us not just mourn them. Let us change them.

Discontent is the first necessity of progress.

The conservative who resists change is as valuable as the radical who proposes it.

Come, come, my conservative friend, wipe the dew off your spectacles, and see that the world is moving.

A liberal knows that the only certainty in this life is change but believes that the change can be directed toward a constructive end.

You never see what you want to see, forever playing to the gallery.

Progressive change in this country has never come from above.

You can't find your way to social reform through the forces that made social reform necessary.

The reformer is always right about what is wrong. He is generally wrong about what is right.

When you look at the times in history when change was brought about, there were two factors: crisis and leadership.

The spirit of the age is the very thing a great man changes.

Each of us have to decide whether we’re going to be a force for progress or an obstacle to progress.

The present age ... prefers the sign to the thing signified … for in these days illusion only is sacred, truth profane.

A reforming age is always fertile of imposters.

Nothing is more certain than that improvement in human affairs is wholly the work of the uncontented characters.

… evolution over revolution.

Beginning reform is beginning revolution.

One of the reasons that change takes place is that the people who produce it believe change can take place.

There are two sides to reconciliation; the law aspect and the moral values. Unless there is improvement for both, changes will not come by easily

I have always believed in discontent – not grumbling, which is usually selfish and individual – but a disinclination to sit down idly, knowing things are wrong.

The reformer does not want to move left; he wants to move forward.