Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
Wendell PhillipsRead
On a single winged word hath hung the destiny of nations.
Interpretation
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.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of communication in diplomacy.
Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
Seldom ever was any knowledge given to keep, but to impart; the grace of this rich jewel is lost in concealment.
If you want to be an orator, first get your great cause.
Debt is the fatal disease of republics, the first thing and the mightiest to undermine governments and corrupt the people.
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.
Write on my gravestone: 'Infidel, Traitor.', infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people.
Every good mathematician is at least half a philosopher, and every good philosopher is at least half a mathematician.
If... we choose death rather than true life, God does not take away the power that He gave us. And not only does He not take it away, but He reminds us of it again and again. From the dawn till the dusk of life? For, indeed, no one can come to Christ, as He Himself said in the Gospels, unless the Father draws him (cf. Jn. 6:44).
Natural death is independent of all reason and is really an irrational death, in which the pitiable substance of the shell determines how long the kernel is to exist or not; in which, accordingly, the stunted, diseased and dull witted jailer is lord, and indicates the moment at which his distinguished prisoner shall die.
The rights of neutrality will only be respected when they are defended by an adequate power. A nation, despicable by its weakness, forfeits even the privilege of being neutral.
Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore- Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore- Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore." Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore.
From such crooked wood as that which man is made of, nothing straight can be fashioned.
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