All governments lie, but disaster lies in wait for countries whose officials smoke the same hashish they give out.
I. F. StoneRead
The only kinds of fights worth fighting are those you’re going to lose, because somebody has to fight them and lose and lose and lose until someday, somebody who believes as you do wins.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of fighting for causes that seem lost, as persistence can lead to eventual success.
I. F. Stone's quote reflects the idea that some battles, despite their seemingly hopeless nature, are crucial for the greater good. These struggles lay the groundwork for future victories by inspiring others and creating a path towards change. It highlights the value of resilience and commitment in advocating for beliefs, even when the outcome appears bleak. The losses serve as learning experiences that contribute to eventual success for those who continue to persevere.
Themes
CouragePerseveranceLossFightBelief
In practice
Example use cases
During a rally for social justice, this quote could be shared to inspire activists to remain steadfast.
More from I. F. Stone
All quotes →All governments are run by liars and nothing they say should be believed.
I. F. StoneRead
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