Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
All actual heroes are essential men, And all men possible heroes.
Interpretation
True heroism lies in the essential qualities of character present in all men.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's quote suggests that heroism is not limited to the exceptional few; rather, it is a quality that exists within every individual. The idea that 'actual heroes' possess essential human traits reminds us that anyone has the potential to rise to heroic actions based on their character and choices, highlighting the inherent value in every person.
In practice
During a motivational speech about personal integrity and bravery, you can quote Browning to inspire your audience.
Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
She has seen the mystery hid Under Egypt's pyramid: By those eyelids pale and close Now she knows what Rhamses knows.
First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And, ever since, it grew more clean and white.
Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes.
Our Euripides the human, With his droppings of warm tears, and his touchings of things common Till they rose to meet the spheres.
Love me sweet With all thou art Feeling, thinking, seeing; Love me in the Lightest part, Love me in full Being.
If you're not ready to die for it, put the word 'freedom' out of your vocabulary.
Of men who have a sense of honor, more come through alive than are slain, but from those who flee comes neither glory nor any help.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. β I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. β Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
I am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel.
I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.
We have no alternative but to protest. For many years we have shown an amazing patience... But we come here tonight to be saved from that patience that makes us patient with anything less than freedom and justice.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.