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Example acquires tenfold authority when it speaks from the grave.
Wendell Phillips
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that actions or examples have greater impact and credibility when they are enduring over time, even beyond one's life.

Wendell Phillips highlights the profound influence of examples set by individuals that continue to resonate and teach long after they have passed away. The essence of their actions transcends time, conveying lessons and authority that can inspire and guide others, illustrating the lasting power of one's legacy.

Themes

ExampleAuthorityLegacyImpactActions

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about leadership, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of leading by example.

More from Wendell Phillips

Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
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Seldom ever was any knowledge given to keep, but to impart; the grace of this rich jewel is lost in concealment.
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If you want to be an orator, first get your great cause.
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Debt is the fatal disease of republics, the first thing and the mightiest to undermine governments and corrupt the people.
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Organize, and stand together. Claim something together, and at once; let the nation hear a united demand from the laboring voice, and then, when you have got that, go on after another; but get something.
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Write on my gravestone: 'Infidel, Traitor.', infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people.
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