But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Society is now one polished horde, formed of two mighty tries, the Bores and Bored.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that society has become a homogeneous group divided into two types of people: those who are dull (the Bores) and those who are weary of them (the Bored).
Lord Byron's quote reflects his critical view of society, indicating that it has evolved into a singular entity characterized by a lack of vibrancy and engagement. The 'Bores' represent individuals who lack excitement or originality, while the 'Bored' refers to those who are disinterested and weary of the monotony around them. This division highlights a societal malaise where real connection and creativity are stifled, leading to a cycle of ennui.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on modern societal dynamics, one could say, 'As Lord Byron puts it, society is now one polished horde, formed of two mighty tries, the Bores and Bored.'
More from Lord Byron
All quotes βIt is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
Absence - that common cure of love.
Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
Similar quotes
The high point of civilization is that you can hate me and I can hate you but we develop an etiquette that allows us to deal with each other because if we acted solely upon our impulse we'd probably go to war.
There's an imbalance when if a woman goes out for a walk at 3 in the morning and something happens to her it was somehow her fault, and with a man that's not true.
The idea of some people being less than people is poison to any society and needs to be named as such in order to halt its spread before it turns the soul of a society septic.
Nothing appears more surprising to those, who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye, than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few; and the implicit submission, with which men resign their own sentiments and passions to those of their rulers.
Listen to your life. Listen to what happens to you because it is through what happens to you that God speaks...It's in language that's not always easy to decipher, but it's there powerfully, memorably, unforgettably.
Abstain from all sinful, unwholesome actions, perform only pious wholesome ones, purify the mind; this is the teaching of enlightened ones