A civilization is built on what is required of men, not on that which is provided for them.
Interpretation
Civilization thrives on the responsibilities and efforts of individuals rather than just the benefits they receive.
This quote suggests that the foundation of a thriving civilization depends on the obligations and contributions of its members, rather than solely on the resources or benefits provided to them. It emphasizes the importance of personal initiative, accountability, and the role of each individual in the collective progress of society.
In practice
In a speech about community service, one might quote this to encourage people to take active roles in improving society.
Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? " Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? " Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.
Attitude is a paintbrush. It colors everything!
Water, thou hast no taste, no color, no odor; canst not be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, thou fillest us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses.
In those days, I didn't understand anything. I should have judged her according to her actions, not her words. She perfumed my planet and lit up my life. I should never have run away! I ought to have realized the tenderness underlying her silly pretensions. Flowers are so contadictory! But I was too young to know how to love her.
When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey.
When the body sinks into death, the essence of man is revealed. Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter. The body is an old crock that nobody will miss. I have never known a man to think of himself when dying. Never.
We've all been brought up with the view that religion has some kind of special privileged status. You're not allowed to criticise it.
If a witch needs something, another witch will give it to her. If there is war to be fought, we don't consider cost one of the factors in deciding whether or not it is right to fight. Nor do we have any notion of honor. An insult to a bear is a deadly thing. To us...inconceivable. How could you insult a witch? What would it matter if you did?
Money degrades all the gods of man and converts them into commodities.
Consciousness ... is the phenomenon whereby the universe's very existence is made known.
False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.
There is no witness so terrible, no accuser so powerful as conscience which dwells within us.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.