Can there be in our age any peace that is not honorable, any war that is not dishonorable?
Charles SumnerRead
The age of Chivalry is gone. An age of Humanity has come.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the transition from a time of gallant behavior to a more humane, empathetic approach to society.
Charles Sumner's quote signifies a shift in societal values from chivalry, characterized by honor and knightly virtue, to a focus on humanity, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and the collective well-being of individuals. It suggests that as society evolves, the ideals that guide human interactions can change, highlighting the importance of a more humane approach to relationships and societal structure.
Themes
ChivalryHumanitySocietyValuesCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a social justice rally may use this quote to reflect on the need for empathy in community service.
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War is a positive, precise and specific evil, of gigantic proportions ...making within the sphere of its influence all true grandeur impossible.
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Give me the money that has been spent in war and I will clothe every man, woman, and child in an attire of which kings and queens will be proud. I will build a schoolhouse in every valley over the whole earth. I will crown every hillside with a place of worship consecrated to peace.
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