Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
See how the World its Veterans rewards!_x000D_ _x000D_ A Youth of Frolics, an old Age of Cards;_x000D_ _x000D_ Fair to no purpose, artful to no end,_x000D_ _x000D_ Young without Lovers, old without a Friend;_x000D_ _x000D_ A Fop their Passion, but their Prize a Sot;_x000D_ _x000D_ Alive ridiculous, and dead forgot.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the unappreciated sacrifices of veterans and the fleeting nature of life and friendships.
Alexander Pope's quote critiques how society rewards veterans, highlighting the transient nature of youth and the eventual loneliness that comes with aging. It suggests that despite the frivolity of youth, many grow old without true connections or recognition, ultimately leading to a life that seems absurd and is quickly forgotten after death.
Themes
VeteransYouthAgingFriendshipSocietyLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech acknowledging the contributions of veterans at a ceremony.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes →What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Alexander PopeRead
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
Alexander PopeRead
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Alexander PopeRead
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
Alexander PopeRead
Similar quotes
The victor is not victorious if the vanquished does not consider himself so
Quintus EnniusRead
We cannot restore integrity and morality to our society until each of us-singly and individually-takes responsibility for our actions.
Harry Emerson FosdickRead
A truth that is merely handed on, without being thought anew from its very foundations, has lost its vital power.
Hans Urs Von BalthasarRead
The criminalization of marijuana did not prevent marijuana from becoming the most widely used illegal substance in the United States and many other countries. But it did result in extensive costs and negative consequences.
George SorosRead
Our judgment ripens; our imagination decays. We cannot at once enjoy the flowers of the Spring of life and the fruits of its Autumn.
Thomas B. MacaulayRead
Slavery was not a bad day on the job. It was not your boss yelling at you. It was not hard work for little pay. This was a full system of human subjugation.
John RidleyRead