If you feel dirty, insignificant or unloved, then rats are a good role model. They exist without permission, they have no respect for the hierarchy of society, and they have sex 50 times a day.
Live as a villain, die as a hero
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that one may lead a morally questionable life but can redeem themselves through heroic actions at the end.
Banksy's quote, 'Live as a villain, die as a hero,' reflects a profound truth about human nature and the complexity of morality. It implies that individuals may engage in nefarious or self-serving behaviors throughout their lives, yet it is possible to achieve redemption or heroism in one's final actions or moments. This duality emphasizes that a person's life can be understood in shades of gray rather than strictly black and white, highlighting the potential for transformation and the impact of one's choices.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the complexities of character in a book club.
More from Banksy
All quotes βT.V. has made going to the theatre seem pointless, photography has pretty much killed painting but graffiti has remained gloriously unspoilt by progress.
I originally set out to try and save the world, but now I'm not sure I like it enough.
Graffiti ultimately wins out over proper art because it becomes part of your city, it' s a tool; "I'll meet you in that pub, you know, the one opposite that wall with a picture of a monkey holding a chainsaw". I mean, how much more useful can a painting be than that?
Think outside the box, collapse the box, and take a f**king sharp knife to it.
Gaza is often described as 'the world's largest open air prison' because no-one is allowed to enter or leave. But that seems a bit unfair to prisons - they donβt have their electricity and drinking water cut off randomly almost every day.
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Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past, even while we attempt to define it.
Evil gains work their punishment.
We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness... We are the Lordβs hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us
What good does it do me if Christ was born in Bethlehem once if he is not born again in my heart through faith?
At the risk of quoting Mephistopheles I repeat: Welcome to hell. A hell erected and maintained by human-governments, and blessed by black robed judges. A hell that allows you to see your loved ones, but not to touch them. A hell situated in America's boondocks, hundreds of miles away from most families. A white, rural hell, where most of the captives are black and urban. It is an American way of death.
Heaven cannot but be high. Earth cannot but be broad. The sun and moon cannot but revolve. All creation cannot but flourish. To do so is their TAO. But it is not from extensive study that this may be known, nor by dialectical skill that his may be made clear. The true sage will have none of these.