The more I loved the king, the more I opposed his injustice until his brow fell lowering upon me. He heaped calumny after calumny on my head, and I chose to be driven out rather than to subscribe.
Interpretation
True love for a leader involves standing against their wrongdoings, even at personal cost.
In this quote, Thomas Becket illustrates the tension between loyalty and morality. He expresses that his deep love for the king compelled him to oppose the injustices committed by the king, emphasizing that true loyalty sometimes requires standing up against authority, even when it leads to personal sacrifice or punishment. Becket's choice to face exile rather than condone wrongful acts speaks to the strength of one's convictions and the importance of integrity in the face of power.
In practice
In a speech about standing up for what is right, you might use this quote to emphasize the importance of integrity.
It is important that the Church of London, which has now lost its ruler, should receive for its new bishop a man whose personal merit, attainments in learning, and prudence in managing public business shall not be unworthy of the dignity of that see.
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
Could I anticipate the enmity of those for whom I encountered such opposition? If they had been willing, I should have gained the victory. But the head faints when it is abandoned by the other members. If they had been wise they would have seen that in attacking me they were attacking their own privileges and serving princes to their own servitude.
Whosoever wisely examines the works of God will speedily discover what is next to be done.
The rashness of the persecutor hath overspread the rights of the persecuted so that punishment is awarded to him that has gained the victory, the inglorious triumphs, and the man who deserved bonds has carried off the prize.
In truth, we have delayed to pass sentence on the person of our lord the king, waiting, if perhaps he may, by God's grace, repent; but we will pass it ere long unless he does repent.
I´m not a wandering slave, I am a woman of choice
The farther away you writers stay, the better I like it. You know why? Because you're trying to create a bad image of me... you do it because I'm black and Puerto Rican, but I'm proud to be Puerto Rican.
I'm not a hero. The Hongkongers who confronted tear gas in the streets are the heroes.
In the clearing stands the boxer, and a fighter by his trade._x000D_ _x000D_ And he carries a reminder of every glove that laid him down..._x000D_ _x000D_ or cut him till he cried out in his anger and his shame_x000D_ _x000D_ "I am leaving! I am leaving" but the fighter still remains.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is, not to frighten them, but to challenge them.
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