Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
Wendell PhillipsRead
How prudently most men creep into nameless graves, while now and then one or two forget themselves into immortality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Most people live cautiously and insignificantly, while a few achieve lasting greatness.
Wendell Phillips suggests that the majority of people go through life in a mundane and cautious manner, ultimately leading to a life that lacks recognition or impact, represented metaphorically as 'nameless graves.' Conversely, he points out that a select few break free from societal norms and expectations, creating a legacy that transcends their time, thus achieving 'immortality' in the memory of others through their actions and contributions.
Themes
PrudenceImmortalityLifeImpactLegacy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire students to take risks and live boldly during a graduation speech.
More from Wendell Phillips
All quotes →Seldom ever was any knowledge given to keep, but to impart; the grace of this rich jewel is lost in concealment.
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If you want to be an orator, first get your great cause.
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Debt is the fatal disease of republics, the first thing and the mightiest to undermine governments and corrupt the people.
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Organize, and stand together. Claim something together, and at once; let the nation hear a united demand from the laboring voice, and then, when you have got that, go on after another; but get something.
Wendell PhillipsRead
Write on my gravestone: 'Infidel, Traitor.', infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people.
Wendell PhillipsRead
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