We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.
Civility, politeness, it's like a cement in a society: binds it together. And when we lose it, then I think we all feel lesser and slightly dirty because of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Civility and politeness are essential for social cohesion, and their absence impacts our collective well-being.
In this quote, Jeremy Irons emphasizes the importance of civility and politeness as fundamental components of a well-functioning society. He likens these qualities to cement, suggesting that they hold communities together; when such qualities are lost, society deteriorates, leaving individuals feeling diminished and uneasy. This observation speaks to the impact of interpersonal interactions on the broader social fabric, highlighting how decency fosters a sense of belonging and cleanliness in human relations.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about community building and the importance of respect in daily interactions.
More from Jeremy Irons
All quotes →We all have our time machines, don't we. Those that take us back are memories...And those that carry us forward, are dreams.
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