We were equals once when we lay new-born babes on our nurse's knees. We will be equal again when they tie up our jaws for the last sleep.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the inherent equality of humans from birth to death.
Olive Schreiner's quote emphasizes the natural equality of all human beings, suggesting that we are all born equal as infants and will ultimately meet the same fate in death. It serves as a reminder that societal differences and hierarchies are ultimately superficial, and that the essence of our humanity binds us together from the very beginning to the end of our lives.
In practice
In a discussion about social justice, one might quote this to emphasize the fundamental equality of all people.
No woman has the right to marry a man if she has to bend herself out of shape for him. She might wish to, but she could never be to him with all her passionate endeavor what the other woman could be to him without trying. Character will dominate over all and will come out at last.
Slavery may, perhaps, be best compared to the infantile disease of measles; a complaint which so commonly attacks the young of humanity in their infancy, and when gone through at that period leaves behind it so few fatal marks; but which when it normally attacks the fully developed adult becomes one of the most virulent and toxic of diseases, often permanently poisoning the constitution where it does not end in death.
For, dear me, why abandon a belief, Merely because it ceases to be true, Cling to it long enough, and not a doubt, It will turn true again, for so it goes.
It is not that we keep His commandments first and that then He loves but that He loves us and then we keep His commandments. This is that grace which is revealed to the humble but hidden from the proud.
The body cannot be cured without regard for the soul.
Crimes lead into one another. They who are capable of being forgers, are capable of being incendiaries.
Even a dog distinguishes between being stumbled over and being kicked.
I say let me never be complete, I say may I never be content,I say deliver me from Swedish furniture, I say deliver me from clever arts, I say deliver me from clear skin and perfect teeth,I say you have to give up! I say evolve, and let the chips fall where they may!
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