The history of Rome presents various men of greater genius than Scipio Aemilianus, but none equalling him in moral purity, in the utter absence of political selfishness, in generous love of his country, and none, perhaps, to whom destiny has assigned a more tragic part.
Interpretation
The quote highlights Scipio Aemilianus's exceptional moral integrity and selflessness compared to other great figures in Roman history.
The quote by Theodor Mommsen reflects on the character of Scipio Aemilianus, emphasizing that while there may have been many individuals in Roman history with greater intellect or talent, none matched his moral purity and lack of political selfishness. It suggests that Aemilianus's devotion to his country and the tragic nature of his fate make him a uniquely admirable figure amongst his contemporaries.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about leadership qualities during a civil service seminar.
An independent state does not pay too dear a price for its independence in accepting the sufferings of war when it cannot avoid them; a state which has lost its independence may find at least some compensation in the fact that its protector procures for it peace with its neighbours.
History is neither written nor made without love or hate.
History has a Nemesis for every sin.
Celebration of Independence Day with great pomp and show was quite appropriate when we were fighting for independence which we had neither seen nor handled. Now we have handled it and we seem to be disillusioned. At least - I am, even if you are not. What are we celebrating today? Surely, not our disillusionment.
Humanity needs dreams to be able to survive the miseries of daily existence, even if only for an instant.
Religious faith, is a state of mind, that leads people to believe in something, it doesn't matter what, without a whisper of doubt, or a whiff of evidence, and believe so strongly in some cases, that they are prepare to kill and die for it, without the need for further justification.
For, while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn't any other tale to tell, it's the only light we've got in all this darkness.
Anyone who knows gangs knows that lawmakers cannot conceive of a law that would lead a hard-core gang member to 'think twice.'
How do you put everyone in the pool, so you have the right to dry yourself in the sun?
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