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On a single winged word hath hung the destiny of nations.
Wendell Phillips
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The power of words can significantly influence the fate of nations.

Wendell Phillips emphasizes the profound impact that spoken or written words can have on society and politics. This quote highlights that a single phrase, idea, or declaration can alter the course of history, illustrating the weight of language in shaping human events.

Themes

WordsDestinyNationsPowerInfluence

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of communication in diplomacy.

More from Wendell Phillips

Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
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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.
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Write on my gravestone: 'Infidel, Traitor.', infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people.
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