But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Lord ByronRead
For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
Interpretation
This quote questions the purpose of patriotic citizens, suggesting that their roles are limited to mundane tasks rather than noble ideals.
Lord Byron's quote reflects a cynical view of patriotism, implying that the so-called patriots of a country are primarily engaged in trivial pursuits like hunting and voting, rather than contributing to the greater good of society. It critiques the shallow motivations associated with national pride, suggesting that such actions do not fulfill a higher purpose.
In practice
In a speech about modern politics, one might use this quote to highlight the trivial engagement of citizens.
But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
It is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
Absence - that common cure of love.
Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
For truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.
A government which lays taxes on the people not required by urgent public necessity and sound public policy is not a protector of liberty, but an instrument of tyranny. It condemns the citizen to servitude.
The 1928 Republican Convention opened with a prayer. If the Lord can see His way clear to bless the Republican Party the way it's been carrying on, then the rest of us ought to get it without even asking.
Why is it that right-wing bastards always stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity, while liberals fall out among themselves?
For all the tough talk about China during the presidential debates, Romney and Obama evaded any mention of China's suspect human rights record, corruption, and rule of law._x000D_ By not tackling these controversial topics, the candidates are protecting a strategic partnership with China at the expense of essential human values and beliefs.
British rule depends upon repression and collaboration and the Irish people should recognise that those who collaborate with Britain in exchange for a slice of the cake will implement British policy and remain silent when Irish people are murdered and oppressed. It is they who are responsible for prolonging the war in Ireland. Without the quislings, without the collaborators, we would already have reached freedom.
Mr. President, youβre entitled as a president to your own airplane, and to your own house, but not to your own facts.
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