I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires.
Khalil GibranRead
Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in the desert.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote contrasts self-serving individuals with those who selflessly contribute to society.
Khalil Gibran's quote highlights the dichotomy between individuals who seek personal gain from their country and those who are driven by a sense of duty and service. It challenges the reader to reflect on their motivations and encourages a selfless approach to citizenship, suggesting that those who serve their country selflessly are invaluable, like an oasis in a desert, while those who take without giving back are detrimental, akin to parasites.
Themes
ServiceCountrySelflessnessCitizenshipContribution
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic duty, one could quote this to inspire public service.
More from Khalil Gibran
All quotes →Be patient, for it is from doubt that knowledge is born.
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Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.
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God made Truth with many doors to welcome every believer who knocks on them.
Khalil GibranRead
Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.
Khalil GibranRead
Solitude has soft, silky hands, but with strong fingers it grasps the heart and makes it ache with sorrow.
Khalil GibranRead
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