The whole fabric of southern society must be changed, and never can it be done if this opportunity is lost. Without this, this government can never be, as it never has been, a true republic.
Interpretation
Societal change is crucial for true democracy, and seizing opportunities is essential to achieving it.
Thaddeus Stevens emphasizes the necessity of transforming the societal structures of the South to establish a genuine republic. He argues that failing to act in the face of opportunity will prevent meaningful progress and undermine the democratic principles upon which the government is supposed to stand.
In practice
This quote can inspire activists during a rally advocating for social justice.
I can never acknowledge the right of slavery. I will bow down to no deity however worshipped by professing Christians - however dignified by the name of the Goddess of Liberty, whose footstool is the crushed necks of the groaning millions, and who rejoices in the resoundings of the tyrant's lash, and the cries of his tortured victims.
I answer, because I live among men and not among angels.
No government can be free that does not allow all its citizens to participate in the formation and execution of her laws.
The freedom of a government does not depend on the quality of its laws, but upon the power that has the right to create them.
I asked all of our recruiters to give me all resumes of prospective employees with their name, gender, place of origin, and age blacked out. This simple change shocked me, because I found myself interviewing different-looking candidates - even though I was 100% convinced that I was not being biased in my resume selection process.
We should strive to welcome change and challenges, because they are what help us grow. With out them we grow weak like the Eloi in comfort and security. We need to constantly be challenging ourselves in order to strengthen our character and increase our intelligence.
When a habit emerges, the brain stops fully participating in decision making. It stops working so hard, or diverts focus to other tasks. So unless you deliberately fight a habit -- unless you find new routines -- the pattern will unfold automatically.
I think I've really exhausted the magical. It was a lot of fun, but I've put it behind me for the time being.
Both tears and sweat are salty, but they render a different result. Tears will get you sympathy; sweat will get you change.
I was a new person then, I knew things I had not known before, I knew things that you can know only if you have been through what I had just been through.
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