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
When a nation's young men are conservative, its funeral bell is already rung.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that when the younger generation holds conservative views, it signals a lack of progress and vitality in society.
Henry Ward Beecher's quote reflects the idea that innovation and change often come from the youth. When young men adhere strictly to conservative ideals, it may indicate that society is stagnating, losing its ability to grow and evolve, and thereby signaling an impending decline or 'funeral' for the nation's development and dynamism.
Themes
YouthConservatismProgressSocietyChange
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of youth engagement in politics.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
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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.
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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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