Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.
Seamus HeaneyRead
There's never going to be a united Ireland, you know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the prospect of a united Ireland may always remain unfulfilled.
Seamus Heaney's quote reflects a sense of realism regarding the complex political landscape in Ireland. It acknowledges the deep-rooted divisions and historical tensions that have made the idea of a united Ireland seem elusive, suggesting that despite aspirations, unity may not be attainable in the foreseeable future.
Themes
United IrelandDivisionPoliticsRealitySeamus Heaney
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about the political history of Ireland.
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The kinds of truth that art gives us many, many times are small truths. They don't have the resonance of an encyclical from the Pope stating an eternal truth, but they partake of the quality of eternity. There is a sort of timeless delight in them.
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If self is a location, so is love: Bearings taken, markings, cardinal points, Options, obstinacies, dug heels, and distance, Here and there and now and then, a stance.
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In my early teens, I acquired a kind of representative status: went on behalf of the family to wakes and funerals and so on. And I would be counted on as an adult contributor when it came to farm work - the hay in the summertime, for example.
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I think that water is immediately interesting. It's just, as an element, it is full of life. It is associated with origin; it is bright - it reflects you.
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