The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
Some have supposed that the mosquito is of a devout turn, and never will partake of a meal without first saying grace. The devotions of some men are but a preface to blood-sucking.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously suggests that some people's piety is superficial and merely for show, similar to a mosquito's need to 'say grace' before feeding.
This quote by Henry Ward Beecher employs humor to critique the superficiality in some expressions of faith and devotion. By comparing the ritualistic behavior of mosquitoes, which are known for their blood-sucking, to the seemingly pious actions of some individuals, it implies that their devoutness may not be genuine but rather a facade covering selfish desires, much like the mosquito's need for sustenance.
Themes
MosquitoDevotionHypocrisySuperficialityFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to initiate a discussion about the authenticity of people's beliefs in a philosophy class.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes βA man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
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No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
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We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
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No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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