There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature.
Washington IrvingRead
The idol of today pushes the hero of yesterday out of our recollection; and will, in turn, be supplanted by his successor of tomorrow.
Interpretation
Fame and recognition are fleeting; today's idol will soon be forgotten as new heroes emerge.
This quote by Washington Irving reflects on the transient nature of fame and the constant cycle of admiration for public figures. It suggests that as society evolves, the icons we celebrate today will eventually be replaced by new figures, leaving the heroes of the past to fade into obscurity. This highlights the impermanence of popular culture and the relentless pursuit of new ideals.
In practice
During a speech on the changing nature of celebrity, one could cite this quote to emphasize how quickly public figures can rise and fall.
There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.
Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.
The easiest thing to do, whenever you fail, is to put yourself down by blaming your lack of ability for your misfortunes.
If I can, by a lucky chance, in these uneasy days, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile the heavy heart of one moment of sadness; if I can, how and then, prompt a happier view of human nature, and make my reader more in good humor with his fellow-beings and himself, surely, I shall not have written in vain.
At times we can be self-absorbed. Lord, help us to open our hearts to others and to serve those who are most vulnerable.
Spaniards were condemned for appeasing terrorism by voting for withdrawing troops from Iraq in the absence of U.N. authorization - that is, for taking a stand rather like that of 70 percent of Americans, who called for the U.N. to take the leading role in Iraq.
Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.
Mortal beauty often makes me ache, and mortal grandeur can fill me with that longing...but Paris, Paris drew me close to her heart, so I forgot myself entirely. Forgot the damned and questing preternatural thing that doted on mortal skin and mortal clothing. Paris overwhelmed, and lightened and rewarded more richly than any promise.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, has a more direct bearing on the moral choices made by individuals or the purposes pursued by society than belief or disbelief in God.
Why did we become blind, I don't know, perhaps one day we'll find out, Do you want me to tell you what I think, Yes, do, I don't think we did go blind, I think we are blind, Blind but seeing, Blind people who can see, but do not see.
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