If we are to better the future we must disturb the present.

The quote "If we are to better the future we must disturb the present" is attributed to Catherine Booth, a British activist and the co-founder of the Salvation Army. In this statement, Booth emphasizes the need for change and action in the present moment to create a better future. The idea is that progress often requires disrupting the status quo and challenging existing systems, rather than waiting for conditions to improve on their own.

Booth’s words suggest that transformation does not come easily and may require significant efforts to address and challenge societal norms, injustices, and complacency. To "disturb" the present implies shaking up the conventional way of doing things—whether it be in social issues, religion, or human rights. By confronting current problems and injustices head-on, we can create the conditions necessary for lasting change.

Her philosophy aligns with the core values of the Salvation Army, which was founded to serve the poor and marginalized, advocating for social reform. Booth was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice, and her belief in disruption reflects her understanding that creating meaningful change requires challenging societal norms, especially when those norms perpetuate inequality.

Ultimately, Booth’s quote highlights the importance of taking action in the present to shape the future. It suggests that progress is not a passive endeavor but a proactive one, requiring people to step out of their comfort zones and push for meaningful change in the world around them. By disturbing the present, we create the momentum needed to build a better future.