When a man takes an oath... he's holding his own self in his own hands. Like water.
Robert BoltRead
Some men think the Earth is round, others think it flat; it is a matter capable of question. But, if it is flat, will the King's command make it round? And, if it is round, will the King's command flatten it?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the nature of truth and the limitations of authority in shaping reality.
Robert Bolt's quote explores the concept that certain truths, like the shape of the Earth, cannot be altered by mere command or belief. It emphasizes the distinction between subjective perception and objective reality, suggesting that even the highest authority cannot change fundamental truths about the world, illustrating the limits of power and knowledge.
Themes
TruthAuthorityPerceptionRealityKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about climate change, one might reference this quote to highlight the stubbornness of belief against scientific truth.
More from Robert Bolt
All quotes →Thomas More: ...And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned around on you--where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country's planted thick with laws from coast to coast--man's laws, not God's--and if you cut them down...d'you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake.
Robert BoltRead
If we lived in a State where virtue was profitable, common sense would make us good, and greed would make us saintly. And we'd live like animals or angels in the happy land that /needs/ no heroes. But since in fact we see that avarice, anger, envy, pride, sloth, lust and stupidity commonly profit far beyond humility, chastity, fortitude, justice and thought, and have to choose, to be human at all... why then perhaps we /must/ stand fast a little --even at the risk of being heroes.
Robert BoltRead
Death comes for us all. Even for kings he comes.
Robert BoltRead
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People who read me seem to be divided into four groups: twenty-five percent like me for the right reasons; twenty-five percent like me for the wrong reasons; twenty-five percent hate me for the wrong reasons; twenty-five percent hate me for the right reasons. It's that last twenty-five percent that worries me.
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Beauty stands In the admiration only of weak minds Led captive.
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