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.
Hatred obscures all distinctions.
There is no river at all, and no boat, and no boatman._x000D_ There is not even a rope to tow the boat, and no one to pull it._x000D_ There is no earth, no sky, no time, no thing, no shore, no ford!
Whenever you see a board up with "Trespassers will be prosecuted," trespass at once.
It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
And what we students of history always learn is that the human being is a very complicated contraption and that they are not good or bad but are good and bad and the good comes out of the bad and the bad out of the good, and the devil take the hindmost.
We know the future will outlast all of us, but I believe that all of us will live on in the future we made.
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