The task of a writer consists of being able to make something out of an idea.
Thomas MannRead
What good would politics be, if it didn’t give everyone the opportunity to make moral compromises.
Interpretation
Politics involves moral compromises that affect everyone.
Thomas Mann's quote reflects on the inherent nature of politics, suggesting that it provides a platform for individuals to navigate and negotiate moral compromises. This raises questions about the ethical dimensions of political action and how such compromises are essential to the functioning of a democratic society, influencing decisions and actions within the political sphere.
In practice
In a discussion about the ethical challenges in government, this quote can illustrate the necessity of compromise.
The task of a writer consists of being able to make something out of an idea.
Stupid — well, there are so many kinds of stupidity, and cleverness is one of the worst.
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What do we talk about? Just ordinary things. What happened today, or books we've read, or tomorrow's weather, you know. Don't tell me you're wondering if people jump to their feet and shout stuff like 'It'll rain tomorrow if a polar bear eats the stars tonight!
The cheapness of wine seems to be a cause, not of drunkenness, but of sobriety. ...People are seldom guilty of excess in what is their daily fare... On the contrary, in the countries which, either from excessive heat or cold, produce no grapes, and where wine consequently is dear and a rarity, drunkenness is a common vice.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.
My people have a country of their own to go to if they choose... Africa... but, this America belongs to them just as much as it does to any of the white race... in some ways even more so, because they gave the sweat of their brow and their blood in slavery so that many parts of America could become prosperous and recognized in the world.
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