In peace sons bury fathers, but war violates the order of nature, and fathers bury sons.
Interpretation
War disrupts the natural order of life and death, reversing the expected roles of parents and children.
This quote by Herodotus reflects on the tragic consequences of war, emphasizing how it alters the natural progression of life where typically, parents pass before their children. In peaceful circumstances, it is natural for sons to bury their fathers, but the devastation of war leads to the unnatural scenario where fathers must bury their sons, highlighting the deep sorrow and disruption caused by conflict.
In practice
In a speech advocating for peace, this quote can underscore the devastating impacts of war.
The Scythians take kannabis seed, creep in under the felts, and throw it on the red-hot stones. It smolders and sends up such billows of steam-smoke that no Greek vapor bath can surpass it. The Scythians howl with joy in these vapor-baths, which serve them instead of bathing, for they never wash their bodies with water.
The man who has planned badly, if fortune is on his side, may have had a stroke of luck; but his plan was a bad one nonetheless.
Men trust their ears less than their eyes.
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
The worst pain a man can have is to know much and be impotent to act.
All men's gains are the fruit of venturing.
Think of giving not only as a duty but as a privilege.
He had the air of a spy in a melodrama, missing nothing, liking nothing, looking forward to the great day when everything would be turned upside down.
God doesn't ask that we succeed in everything, but that we are faithful. However beautiful our work may be, let us not become attached to it. Always remain prepared to give it up, without losing your peace.
Manners is the key thing. Say, for instance, when you're growing up, you're walking down the street, you've got to tell everybody good morning. Everybody. You can't pass one person.
Be careful how you suggest things to me. For there is in me a madness which goes beyond martyrdom, the madness of an utterly idle man.
God seeks comrades and claims love,_x000D_ _x000D_ The devil seeks slaves and claims obedience.
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