As far as this business of solitary confinement goes, the most important thing for survival is communication with someone, even if it's only a wave or a wink, a tap on the wall, or to have a guy put his thumb up. It makes all the difference.
Interpretation
Communication, even in small ways, is crucial for survival in isolation.
In this quote, John McCain emphasizes the essential role of communication in maintaining one's spirit and resolve, even in the direst circumstances like solitary confinement. He points out that small gestures of communication, such as a wave or a thumb-up, can significantly impact psychological well-being and sense of connection, illustrating the fundamental human need for interaction and support.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about mental health awareness to highlight the importance of connection.
Giap was a master of logistics, but his reputation rests on more than that. His victories were achieved by a patient strategy that he and Ho Chi Minh were convinced would succeed - an unwavering resolve to suffer immense casualties and the near total destruction of their country to defeat any adversary, no matter how powerful.
Whenever America sends its citizens into harm's way, it must do so with eyes wide open.
For decades we have been living lives of abundance, with little regard for our natural resources or global health. But we are now facing hard choices in our energy policy. Future generations - my children and grandchildren, along with yours - will have to live with the decisions we make today. And so it is time for us to make some tough and - hopefully - smart choices regarding our energy use and production before it is too late.
We need a free press. We must have it. It's vital.
I appreciate our government's determination to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the Bytyqi brothers, which Serbia's Interior Minister has rightly called 'an exceptionally serious crime,' and hope the Serbian government's pledge of full cooperation... is matched by a final accounting of their murder.
What is most troubling about Mr. Putin's aggression in Crimea is that it reflects a growing disregard for America's credibility in the world. That has emboldened other aggressive actors - from Chinese nationalists to Al Qaeda terrorists and Iranian theocrats.
The spirit of her invincible heart guided her through the shadows.
When I first started in Formula 1, I tried to ignore the fact I was the first black guy ever to race in the sport. But, as I've got older, I've really started to appreciate the implications.
Valor grows by daring, fear by holding back.
I did take the blows [of life], but I took them with my chin up, in dignity, because I so profoundly love and respect humanity.
If we lose the war in the air we lose the war and lose it quickly.
I would rather do what I did than crawl in front of a ritualistic Left and lie the way those other comrades did betray my own soul.
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