If active or concerned citizens forfeit politics, they thereby abandon their society to its most mediocre and venal public servants
Tony JudtRead
Love consists in leaving the loved one space to be themselves while providing the security within which that self may flourish.
Interpretation
True love allows individuals to be themselves while offering support and security.
This quote by Tony Judt emphasizes the essential balance in relationships between freedom and security. Love should not be about possession or control, but rather about creating an environment where loved ones feel safe and accepted enough to express their true selves and grow as individuals. It highlights the importance of respecting personal space while providing emotional support.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a wedding toast to emphasize the importance of mutual support in a marriage.
If active or concerned citizens forfeit politics, they thereby abandon their society to its most mediocre and venal public servants
Obviously a primary liberal conviction is that we should be tolerant of other peoples' convictions. But if we believe in something, we had better find ways to say so convincingly.
Social democracy does not represent an ideal future; it does not even represent the ideal past.
What I am against is false optimism: the notion either that things have to go well, or else that they tend to, or else that the default condition of historical trajectories is characteristically beneficial in the long-run.
I'm not sure I've learned anything new about life; but I've had to think harder about death and what comes after for other people.
We are not merely historians but also and always citizens.
When I clamber to the heights of sleep, Or when I grow excited with wine, suddenly I meet your face.
It is a beautiful trait in the lover's character, that they think no evil of the object loved.
Take my love. One day share my life. Be my dearest, first on earth.
And tonight our skin, our bones, that have survived our fathers, will meet, delicate in the hold, fastened together in an intricate lock. Then one of us will shout, "My need is more desperate!" and I will eat you slowly with kisses even though the killer in you has gotten out.
We live by admiration, hope and love.
Money cannot buy the fuel of love but is excellent kindling.
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