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
A mouth of no distinction but well practiced, before I entered my teens, in irony. For what is irony but the repository of hurt? And what is hurt but the repository of hope?
We must not seek the child Jesus in the pretty figures of our Christmas cribs. We must seek him among the undernourished children who have gone to bed at night with nothing to eat, among the poor newsboys who will sleep covered with newspapers in doorways.
Solitude has soft, silky hands, but with strong fingers it grasps the heart and makes it ache with sorrow.
A proud man is satisfied with his own good opinion, and does not seek to make converts to it.
When the highwayman holds his gun to your head, you turn your valuables over to him. You 'consent' alright, but you do so because you cannot help yourself, because you are compelled by his gun. Are you not compelled to work for an employer? Your need compels you, just as the highwayman's gun.
When a man was hurt you took him to the maester, but what could you do when your maester was hurt?