It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active.
Interpretation
Laziness often leads to losing one's rights to those who are proactive.
This quote highlights the consequences of inaction and laziness, suggesting that those who do not actively defend or pursue their rights may find themselves at the mercy of more active individuals. It serves as a reminder that passivity can result in the erosion of one's entitlements and freedoms, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and engaged in the pursuit of one's interests.
In practice
During a public debate on civic engagement, one could use this quote to stress the importance of participation.
It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become prey to the active. The conditions upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime, and the punishment of his guilt.
Evil prospers when good men do nothing.
You're not supposed to give people what they want, you're supposed to give them what they don't know that they want yet.
Those who wish to appear learned to fools, appear as fools to the learned.
Things that look like shortcuts are actually detours (disguised as less work).
The only happy author in this world is he who is below the care of reputation.
The path of compassion leads to the development of insight. But it doesn't work to say, "Ready, set, go! Be compassionate!" Beginning any practice depends on intention. Intention depends on intuiting-at least a little bit-the suffering inherent in the human condition and the pain we feel, and cause, when we act out of confusion. It also depends on trusting-at least a little bit-in the possibility of a contented, satisfied mind.
Invention is the talent of youth, as judgment is of age.
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