For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions in their own country, but in foreign lands there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that truly great individuals are remembered not just by monuments but also through the impact they've had on people's hearts and minds.
Pericles emphasizes that the legacy of notable figures extends beyond physical monuments and inscriptions in their native lands. Instead, their true memorial exists in the collective memory and affection of people across the world, signifying that enduring influence comes from how they touched lives rather than just how they were commemorated in stone.
In practice
This quote can be used during a eulogy to celebrate a person's life.
For heroes have the whole earth for their tomb; and in lands far from their own, where the column with its epitaph declares it, there is enshrined in every breast a record unwritten with no tablet to preserve it, except that of the heart.
Just because you are not interested in politics, does not mean that politics is not interested in you.
Famous men have the whole earth as their memorial.
Not to be able to bear poverty is a shameful thing, but not to know how to chase it away by work is a more shameful thing yet.
Those who are politically apathetic can only survive if they are supported by people who are capable of taking action.
For a man's counsel cannot have equal weight or worth, when he alone has no children to risk in the general danger.
We do have to ask ourselves as a culture, what do we want to be? You know, what are our founding values? And if we are a society where everybody should have that fair shot and get a second chance, then we should take the necessary steps to implement that and make it a reality.
I show you doubt, to prove that faith exists.
Man [is] a rational animal, endowed by nature with rights and with an innate sense of justice.
I thought there's something to be said for honor in this world where there doesn't seem to be any honor left. I thought that maybe happiness wasn't really anything more than the knowledge of a life well spent, in spite of whatever immediate discomfort you had to undergo, and that if a life well spent meant compromises and conciliations and reconciliations, and suffering at the hands of the person you love, well then better that than live without honor.
In this world, there is a kind of painful progress. Longing for what we've left behind, and dreaming ahead.
I lost my sleep, and this is the greatest tragedy that can befall someone. It is much worse than sitting in prison.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.