Those who rebelled against totalitarian rule and those who simply managed to remain themselves and think freely, were all persecuted. We should not forget any of those who paid for our present freedom in one way or another.
Vaclav HavelRead
Among many who sought to deter me, was one dear old Christian gentleman, whose crowning argument always was, "The cannibals! you will be eaten by cannibals!" At last I replied, "Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honouring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms."
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the importance of living a meaningful life despite fears of mortality and external dangers.
In this quote, John Gibson Paton addresses the concerns of a friend worried about the dangers he might face in life, particularly the fear of being consumed by cannibals. Paton counters this fear by highlighting the inevitability of death and expressing that what truly matters is living a life that serves and honors his faith, suggesting that the fear of death should not deter one from pursuing their calling.
Themes
CourageFaithMortalityServiceLife
In practice
Example use cases
To inspire students during a graduation speech emphasizing the importance of following one's passions despite fears.
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