O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
This will be a great day in our history; the date of a New Revolution - quite as much needed as the old one. Even now as I write they are leading old John Brown to execution in Virginia for attempting to rescue slaves! This is sowing the wind to reap the whirlwind which will come soon!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the vital nature of social revolution and justice, signifying that change is necessary to address historical injustices.
In this quote, Longfellow emphasizes the significance of societal change, particularly in the context of the abolitionist movement and the execution of John Brown, a martyr for the cause of ending slavery. He draws a parallel between past revolutions and the current need for reform, warning that actions taken against the oppressed will lead to greater consequences. The metaphor of sowing the wind to reap the whirlwind underscores the idea that failing to correct injustices can result in severe repercussions.
Themes
RevolutionJusticeChangeAbolitionSocietyHistory
In practice
Example use cases
You can use this quote during a discussion about the importance of social justice movements.
More from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
All quotes βThere are moments in life, when the heart is so full of emotion That if by chance it be shaken, or into its depths like a pebble Drops some careless word, it overflows, and its secret, Spilt on the ground like water, can never be gathered together.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
God is not dead; nor doth He sleep; ... _x000D_ The wrong shall fail,_x000D_ The right prevail,_x000D_ With peace on earth, good will to men.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
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