History is how we have learnt to think about ourselves. It's not as though the Greeks and Romans are static entities out there to be discovered and translated. We make them speak, we talk to them, and they inform what we say.
Mary BeardRead
I'd quite like to be in Caligula's court - living in the back room somewhere and just being able to observe.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire to witness the complexities of power and society from a safe distance.
Mary Beard's quote reflects an interest in observing the intricacies of power dynamics and societal behavior, particularly in the historical context of Caligula's court, which was known for its excesses and moral ambiguities. It implies a fascination with human nature and the tumultuous interactions within a notorious political environment, highlighting the benefits of observation without direct involvement in the chaos.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of historical perspective, this quote can highlight the value of observing history.
History is how we have learnt to think about ourselves. It's not as though the Greeks and Romans are static entities out there to be discovered and translated. We make them speak, we talk to them, and they inform what we say.
I don't think that we are completely dominated by what we have inherited from the past, but it is the case that as far back as you can go - just to Homer, but also to the literature of Rome, the literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance - what you will find is that women's voices are not taken seriously.
What politicians do is they never get the rhetoric wrong, and the price they pay is they don't speak the truth as they see it. Now, I will speak truth as I see it, and sometimes I don't get the rhetoric right. I think that's a fair trade-off.
Whatever you say about popular culture, people like people who know things, who are experts, and it doesn't particularly matter what they look like.
There is no way, absolutely no way, that I would want people to stop reading the 'Odyssey.' But I want them to read it with their eyes open. To notice it and then to think what it says about us.
It wasn't until I got to Cambridge that I discovered active discrimination against women.
If the hearts are pure, they will never have enough from reciting Allah's words (the Qur'an).
One of the illusions of life is that the present hour is not the critical, decisive one.
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal.
Part of being in New York is being able to brag about what used to be there.
Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and _x000D_ the overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced _x000D_ by people of all colours and races here in this ancient Holy Land, _x000D_ the home of Abraham, Muhammad, and all the other prophets _x000D_ of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly _x000D_ speechless and spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed _x000D_ all around me by people of all colours.
The pathways that have led to our evolution are quirky, improbable, unrepeatable and utterly unpredictable.
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