A state is not a mere society, having a common place, established for the prevention of mutual crime and for the sake of exchange. Political society exists for the sake of noble actions, and not mere companionship.
We spend our lives on the run: we get up by the clock, eat and sleep by the clock, get up again, go to work - and then we retire. And what do they give us? A bloody clock.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life can feel robotic and routine, leading to a lack of fulfillment despite societal norms.
Dave Allen's quote reflects on the mechanized nature of modern life, where individuals adhere to strict schedules and routines, often at the cost of personal happiness and fulfillment. The irony lies in the fact that, after a lifetime of adherence to the 'clock,' the only reward seems to be a reminder of the very structure that constrained them, symbolized by the 'bloody clock.' This commentary encourages one to reflect on the meaning and value of life beyond societal expectations and routines.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about work-life balance, one might cite this quote to emphasize the importance of finding joy beyond routines.
Similar quotes
Penetrating so many secrets, we cease to believe in the unknowable. But there it sits nevertheless, calmly licking its chops
The opinions and beliefs of men follow involuntarily the evidence proposed to their minds.
I could not help but think that somewhere along the way we had missed what was radical about our faith and replaced it with what is comfortable.
There have been men before now who got so interested in proving the existence of God that they came to care nothing for God Himself.
Forth from his dark and lonely hiding-place, (Portentous sight!) the owlet Atheism, sailing on obscene wings athwart the noon, drops his blue-fringed lids, and holds them close, and hooting at the glorious sun in Heaven, cries out, ''Where is it?''