I tried to think of my knowledge, but it was a squirrel's heap of winter nuts. There was no strength in my knowledge any more and I felt small and naked as a new-hatched bird.
Grant us brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years - a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of genuine brotherhood through actions rather than mere words, advocating for lasting unity.
In this quote, Stephen Vincent Benet expresses a desire for a deep and enduring sense of brotherhood that transcends superficial expressions of camaraderie. He highlights that true brotherhood should be demonstrated through tangible actions and meaningful deeds, not just verbal commitments. This call for authentic connection reflects the notion that real relationships are built on the foundation of supportive and substantial actions over time.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used at community events to stress the importance of collective action over mere discussion.
More from Stephen Vincent Benet
All quotes βIt is forbidden to go east, but I have gone, forbidden to go on the great river, but I am there. Open your hearts, you spirits, and hear my song.
Our fathers and ourselves sowed dragon's teeth. Our children know and suffer the armed men.
You can't depend on the kind of folks people think they are - you've got to go by what they do. And I wouldn't give much for a man that some folks hadn't thought was a fool, in his time.
Go play with the towns you have built of blocks, The towns where you would have bound me! I sleep in my earth like a tired fox, And my bufdfalo have found me.
We can no longer take our own way of life for granted - we know that it may be challenged. And we know this, too - and know it ever more deeply - we know that freedom and democracy are not just big words mouthed by orators but the rain and the wind and the sun, the air and the light by which we breathe and live.
Similar quotes
Loving friendships provide us with a space to experience the joy of community in a relationship where we learn to process all our issues, to cope with differences and conflict while staying connected.
Winning has always meant much to me, but winning friends has meant the most.
Those were happier days, when there was still close friendship at times between folk of different race, even between Dwarves and Elves.' It was not the fault of the Dwarves that the friendship waned,' said Gimli. I have not heard that it was the fault of the Elves,' said Legolas. I have heard both,' said Gandalf[.]
There is a fellowship more quiet even than solitude, and which, rightly understood, is solitude made perfect.
We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them.
There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.