They were beaten to start with. They were beaten when they took them from their farms and put them in the army. That is why the peasant has wisdom, because he is defeated from the start. Put him in power and see how wise he is.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the inherent wisdom that comes from the struggles and defeats in life.
Ernest Hemingway suggests that the experiences of the peasant, who faces defeat from the beginning, lead to a certain depth of wisdom. The hardships endured, particularly when taken from their homes to fight in the army, cultivate an understanding of life that can be insightful and profound. When such a person is put in a position of power, their wisdom, shaped by their suffering, can truly emerge.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the value of experience in leadership.
He no longer dreamed of storms, nor of women, nor of great occurrences, nor of great fish, nor fights, nor contests of strength, nor of his wife. He only dreamed of places now and the lions on the beach. They played like young cats in the dusk and he loved them as he loved the boy. He never dreamed about the boy. He simply woke, looked out the open door at the moon and unrolled his trousers and put them on.
How did you go bankrupt?" Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.
When you have shot one bird flying you have shot all birds flying. They are all different and they fly in different ways but the sensation is the same and the last one is as good as the first.
There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other. We always returned to it no matter who we were or how it was changed or with what difficulties, or ease, it could be reached. Paris was always worth it and you received return for whatever you brought to it. But this is how Paris was in the early days when we were very poor and very happy.
Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.
There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.
Virtues are acquired through endeavor, Which rests wholly upon yourself. So, to praise others for their virtues Can but encourage one's own efforts.
The injunction to be nice is used to deflect criticism and stifle the legitimate anger of dissent.
You've got to bend with the wind or you're broken.
Master your words. Master your thoughts. Never allow your body to do harm. Follow these three roads with purity And you will find yourself upon the one way, The way of wisdom.
If self-knowledge is the road to virtue, so is virtue still more the road to self-knowledge.
Whatever happens, do not lose hold of the two main ropes of life - hope and faith.
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