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In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.
Mark Twain
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A true patriot is often isolated at first but gains support once the cause succeeds.

In this quote, Mark Twain highlights the initial challenges faced by those who strive for change, specifically patriots who are willing to advocate for their beliefs despite fear, scorn, and isolation. He observes that once the cause gains traction and success, the cowardly majority who once hesitated eagerly join in, demonstrating how people often conform to popular opinion when the risks are minimized.

Themes

ChangePatriotismCourageSupportSuccess

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a speech promoting social activism.

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In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
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