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 βBe 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.
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Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.
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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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