When guests outnumber hosts in a land, the guests become the hosts. Conquest happens not only through war but also through frequent hospitality.
When guests outnumber hosts in a land, the guests become the hosts. Conquest happens not only through war but also through frequent hospitality.
This quote suggests that when a group of visitors or newcomers becomes more numerous than the original inhabitants of a place, they can effectively take over or exert significant influence on that place. It highlights the idea that domination or change in control doesn't only occur through overt conflict or conquest but can also happen subtly through peaceful means, such as migration and integration. The phrase "frequent hospitality" implies that by consistently welcoming newcomers and allowing them to integrate, the original hosts may eventually find their culture, traditions, or power diluted or overtaken by the newcomers. This can refer to demographic shifts and social transformations that occur gradually over time.
Quote By: Tzvetan Todorov
Tzvetan Todorov (1939-2017) was a prominent Bulgarian-French philosopher, historian, and literary theorist best known for his work in structuralism and cultural studies. His influential writings, including "The Conquest of America" and "The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre," explored the interplay between literature, culture, and history, highlighting themes of identity, narrative, and the nature of human experience. Throughout his career, Todorov championed the importance of dialogue and understanding in a multicultural world.
Bio added on: 2025-02-17 20:23:11