Some of the best people that ever lived have been as destitute as I am; and if you are a Christian, you ought not to consider poverty a crime.
Charlotte BronteRead
We should be wary of politicians who profess to follow history while only noticing those signposts of history that point in the direction which they themselves already favour.
Interpretation
Be cautious of politicians who selectively interpret history to support their own views.
This quote highlights the tendency of politicians to cherry-pick historical examples that align with their existing beliefs or agendas, rather than taking a comprehensive view of history. It serves as a warning to remain critical of narratives that claim to be based on historical facts but are influenced by bias and personal interests.
In practice
During a political debate, a moderator can use this quote to challenge a candidate's interpretation of historical events.
Some of the best people that ever lived have been as destitute as I am; and if you are a Christian, you ought not to consider poverty a crime.
For a moment he felt a wild hope: perhaps this really was a nightmare. Perhaps he would awake in his own bed, bathed in sweat, shaking, maybe even crying . . . but alive. Safe. Then he pushed the thought away. Its charm was deadly, its comfort fatal.
I am one of billions. I am stardust gathered fleetingly into form. I will be ungathered. The stardust will go on to be other things someday and I will be free.
For a year after that was done to me I wept every day at the same hour and for the same space of time. That is not such a tragic thing as possibly it sounds to you. To those who are in prison tears are a part of every day's experience. A day in prison on which one does not weep is a day on which one's heart is hard, not a day on which one's heart is happy.
Innocence is like a dumb leper who has lost his bell, wandering the world, meaning no harm.
Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don't live in a world all of your own
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