The search for the symbolic value of phonemes, each taken as a whole, runs the risk of giving rise to ambiguous and trivial interpretations because phonemes are complex entities, bundles of different distinctive features.
Roman JakobsonRead
The love of their country is with them only a mode of flattering its master; as soon as they think that master can no longer hear, they speak of everything with a frankness which is the more startling because those who listen to it become responsible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that people often express their true feelings about their country only when they believe those in power are not listening.
Marquis De Custine highlights the tendency of individuals to temper their criticisms of authority when they feel that their leaders are paying attention. However, in the absence of perceived oversight, people are more candid in expressing their thoughts about governance and patriotism, revealing a striking contrast between public and private sentiments. This dynamic raises questions about authenticity in expressions of loyalty and the impact of accountability on speech.
Themes
PatriotismAuthorityFranknessCriticismExpression
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate about freedom of expression.
Similar quotes
If every man took only what was sufficient for his needs, leaving the rest to those in want, there would be no rich and no poor.
Saint BasilRead
But those who are ready to toil in the most excellent pursuits, will not desist from the search after truth, till they get the demonstration from the Scriptures themselves.
Clement Of AlexandriaRead
It's the mix of the trivial and the great events that make up history. It's the low things about high people that make it fascinating, and that's why it would be a shame to exclude the trivial things. That mixing up is not just at the heart of history. It's at the heart of how to live a great life.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
You're born naked, and the rest is drag! EVERYBODY is in drag. Whether you're a man or a woman. It just depends on how extreme you wanna go.
RupaulRead
Actually, I have no regard for money. Aside from its purchasing power, it's completely useless as far as I'm concerned.
Alfred HitchcockRead