We Americans are the peculiar, chosen people - the Israel of our time; we bear the ark of the liberties of the world.
Interpretation
This quote expresses a sense of American exceptionalism, suggesting that Americans have a unique responsibility to uphold freedom for the entire world.
Herman Melville's quote reflects a belief in the unique role of Americans in global history, comparing them to the Israelites who were seen as chosen by God. It implies that, like the Israelites who carried the Ark of the Covenant, Americans are entrusted with the preservation and promotion of universal liberties, suggesting a moral obligation to lead by example and advocate for freedom worldwide.
In practice
During a speech on American values, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the moral responsibility of the U.S.
A good laugh is a mighty good thing, and rather too scarce a good thing; the more's the pity. So, if any one man, in his own proper person, afford stuff for a good joke to anybody, let him not be backward, but let him cheerfully allow himself to spend and be spent in that way. And the man that has anything bountifully laughable about him, be sure there is more in that man than you perhaps think for.
The Marquesan girls dance all over; not only do their feet dance, but their arms, hands, fingers, ay, their very eyes seem to dance in their heads.
Dream tonight of peacock tails, Diamond fields and spouter whales. Ills are many, blessing few, But dreams tonight will shelter you.
Why did the old Persians hold the sea holy? Why did the Greeks give it a separate deity, and own brother Jove? Surely all this is not without meaning. And still deeper the meaning of that story of Narcissus, who because he could not grasp the tormenting mild image he saw in the fountain, plunged into it and was drowned. But that same image, we ourselves see in all rivers and oceans. It is the image of the ungraspable phantom of life; and this is the key to it all.
If some books are deemed most baneful and their sale forbid, how then with deadlier facts, not dreams of doting men? Those whom books will hurt will not be proof against events. Events, not books should be forbid.
You cannot spill a drop of American blood without spilling the blood of the whole world.... We are not a nation, so much as a world.
I believe we are put here to improve civilisation.
People just overshoot trying to find God. They're going outside and trying everything. They don't realize that it's right inside themselves.
Time and memory are true artists; they remould reality nearer to the heart's desire.
Why should I feel lonely? is not our planet in the Milky Way?
It is remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most perfect quietude to the external regulations of society. The thoughts alone suffice them, without investing itself in the flesh and blood of action.
Without memories, without hope, they lived for the moment only. indeed, the here and now had come to mean everything to them. For there is no denying that the plague had gradually killed off in all of us the faculty not of love only but even of friendship. Naturally enough, since love asks something of the future, and nothing was left us but a series of present moments.
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