Meaning: This quote by Alexander Herzen, a 19th-century Russian journalist and philosopher, reflects a poignant observation about the nature of progress and change. Herzen's metaphor of nations moving from one set of furnished rooms to another, and the absence of prepared new rooms, captures the complexities and uncertainties inherent in societal development and the pursuit of a better future.

The quote begins by expressing the idea that if nations were to consistently transition from one set of furnished rooms to another, and each time into a better set, the process of societal advancement would be much more straightforward. This imagery of moving from one set of furnished rooms to another can be interpreted as representing the progression of societies from one state or condition to another. The notion of moving into a better set of rooms implies a positive trajectory of improvement and advancement.

However, Herzen introduces a sobering realization by stating, "the trouble is that there is no one to prepare the new rooms." This statement highlights a crucial aspect of societal change – the absence of prepared new spaces or conditions for the future. The metaphorical "new rooms" represent the uncharted territories and unknown future that await nations as they strive for progress. This lack of preparedness underscores the challenges and uncertainties that accompany the pursuit of a better future.

Herzen's comparison of the future to the ocean further emphasizes the enigmatic and daunting nature of what lies ahead. By asserting that "the future is worse than the ocean - there is nothing there," Herzen evokes the vast and unpredictable expanse of the ocean to illustrate the vast unknowns and potential perils that the future holds. The absence of anything in the future suggests a void of certainty and a lack of predefined paths, mirroring the unfathomable depths of the ocean.

This quote encapsulates a profound insight into the complexities of societal progress and the inherent uncertainties associated with change. Herzen's words serve as a reminder that the pursuit of a better future is not a linear or predictable journey. Instead, it is fraught with challenges, ambiguities, and the absence of clear pathways. The metaphor of moving from one set of furnished rooms to another underscores the ongoing nature of societal evolution, while the absence of prepared new rooms and the comparison to the ocean's uncertainty highlight the inherent unpredictability of the future.

In essence, Herzen's quote prompts reflection on the nature of progress and change, challenging the notion of a straightforward and continuously improving trajectory. It calls attention to the need for foresight, adaptability, and resilience in the face of the unknowns that lie ahead. Ultimately, Herzen's words resonate as a poignant commentary on the complexities of societal development and the uncertainties that accompany the pursuit of a better future.