Let no man write my epitaph... When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then shall my character be vindicated, then may my epitaph be written.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the idea that a person's true character should be recognized in the context of their contributions to society and their country.
Robert Emmet's quote asserts that the worth of an individual should not be judged until their country achieves a distinguished status among other nations. It reflects the notion that personal legacy and character are deeply intertwined with national identity and values, suggesting that honor and recognition should come after one's contributions have had a significant impact.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about national pride during a celebration of independence.
"Let there be no inscription upon my tomb. Let no man write my epitaph. No man can write my epitaph. I am here ready to die. I am not allowed to vindicate my character; and when I am prevented from vindicating myself, let no man dare calumniate me. Let my character and motives repose in obscurity and peace, till other times and other men can do them justice.
I came to believe in a power much higher than I
There is a new venue for theory, necessarily impure, where it emerges in and as the very event of cultural translation. This is not the displacement of theory by historicism, nor a simple historicization of theory that exposes the contingent limits of its more generalizable claims.
Sinners cannot obey the gospel, any more than the law, without renewal of heart.
One could laugh at the world better if it didn't mix tender kindliness with its brutality.
There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness; in the middle the contests of temptation; and in the end the fullness of perfection.
And of course these days I feel like there is a nation of us - displaced southerners and children of the working class. We listen to Steve Earle, Mary J. Blige, and k.d. lang. We devour paperback novels and tell evil mean stories, value stubbornness above patience and a sense of humor more than a college education. We claim our heritage with a full appreciation of how often it has been disdained. And let me promise you, you do not want to make us angry.
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