The task of a writer consists of being able to make something out of an idea.
Thomas MannRead
Has the world ever been changed by anything save the thought and its magic vehicle the Word?
Interpretation
Thought and words are powerful forces for change in the world.
In this quote, Thomas Mann suggests that the true catalyst for change in the world is the power of ideas and the words through which they are expressed. He emphasizes the transformative ability of thought, implying that it is through articulate expression that we can inspire action and provoke significant change in society.
In practice
In a motivational speech about activism, you can use this quote to emphasize the importance of using language to drive change.
The task of a writer consists of being able to make something out of an idea.
Stupid β well, there are so many kinds of stupidity, and cleverness is one of the worst.
It is a strange fact that freedom and equality, the two basic ideas of democracy, are to some extent contradictory. Logically considered, freedom and equality are mutually exclusive, just as society and the individual are mutually exclusive.
I tell them that if they will occupy themselves with the study of mathematics they will find in it the best remedy against the lusts of the flesh.
Literature... is the union of suffering with the instinct for form.
The Freudian theory is one of the most important foundation stones for an edifice to be built by future generations, the dwelling of a freer and wiser humanity.
I believe in nothing here, except a handful of people, a few ideas, and the fact that one cannot arrest movement.
Protestants in France are under intolerable despotism. Although open persecution does not now exist, yet it depends upon the whim of the king, queen, parliament, or any of the ministry.
A straight oar looks bent in the water. It matters not merely that we see a thing, but how we see it.
There are three kinds of violence: one, through our deeds; two, through our words; and three, through our thoughts. β¦The root of all violence is in the world of thoughts, and that is why training the mind is so important.
A fool cannot be an actor, though an actor may act a fool's part.
There was never a good war, or a bad peace.
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