I shall strive not to be guilty of adding any fuel to the flames of hatred and passion which, if continued to be fed, promise to burn up whatever is left by the war of decent human feeling in Europe.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of not exacerbating hatred and conflict, especially in a post-war context.
Eamon De Valera's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive nature of hatred and passion, particularly in times of conflict. He advocates for a conscious effort to cultivate peace and understanding instead of allowing existing animosities to grow unchecked. The notion of 'adding fuel to the flames' suggests that even small actions or words can escalate tensions, further damaging the fragile human connections that remain after strife. This serves as a call for compassion and restraint in order to rebuild and heal society.
In practice
This quote can be shared during discussions on reconciliation after war.
We, of our time, have played our part in the perseverance, and we have pledged ourselves to the dead generations who have preserved intact for us this glorious heritage, that we, too, will strive to be faithful to the end, and pass on this tradition unblemished.
An independent Ireland would see its own independence in jeopardy the moment it saw the independence of Britain seriously threatened. Mutual self-interest would make the peoples of these two islands, if both independent, the closest possible allies in a moment of real national danger to either.
Yesterday's rose endures in its name, we hold empty names.
Ah, woe is me! Winter is come and gone. But grief returns with the revolving year.
The significance which is in unity is an eternal wonder.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
To say that there is patriarchy in Arab culture is not denying women agency.
Make no mistake: peaceful madmen are ahead of the future.
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