When it came night, the white waves paced to and fro in the moonlight, and the wind brought the sound of the great sea's voice to the men on shore, and they felt that they could then be interpreters.
Stephen CraneRead
A man with a full stomach and the respect of his fellows had no business to scold about anything that he might think to be wrong in the ways of the universe, or even with the ways of society. Let the unfortunates rail; the others may play marbles.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Contentment and social status should preclude complaining about societal issues.
In this quote, Stephen Crane suggests that those who are comfortable and respected in society have a responsibility to remain content and refrain from complaining about the problems of the world. It implies that individuals who have their basic needs met and are in good standing with their peers should focus on enjoying life rather than criticizing its flaws, leaving the expression of discontent to those who are struggling.
Themes
ContentmentSocietyRespectComplaintsResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about social issues, one might use this quote to remind peers to appreciate their privileges.
More from Stephen Crane
All quotes →I saw a man pursuing the horizon
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Two or three angels Came near to the earth. They saw a fat church. Little black streams of people Came and went in continually. And the angels were puzzled To know why the people went thus, And why they stayed so long within.
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Sometimes, the most profound of awakenings come wrapped in the quietest of moments.
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Tell her this And more,— That the king of the seas Weeps too, old, helpless man. The bustling fates Heap his hands with corpses Until he stands like a child With surplus of toys.
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Over the river a golden ray of sun came through the hosts of leaden rain clouds.
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