Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves, and half in love with oblivion.
Robert MacfarlaneRead
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.
Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves, and half in love with oblivion.
It is more important that a proposition be interesting than that it be true.
I have done my fiddling so long under Vesuvius that I have almost forgotten to play, and can only wait for the eruption and think it long of coming. Literally no man has more wholly outlived life than I. And still it's good fun.
Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting.
Modesty and conscientiousness receive their reward only in novels. In life they are exploited and then shoved aside.
That which makes you miserable is the only sin. That which takes you away from yourself is the only thing to be avoided.
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