I tried to think of my knowledge, but it was a squirrel's heap of winter nuts. There was no strength in my knowledge any more and I felt small and naked as a new-hatched bird.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
Our fathers and ourselves sowed dragon's teeth. Our children know and suffer the armed men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The actions of one generation can lead to consequences for the next, often in unforeseen ways.
This quote highlights the theme of generational consequences, where the choices and actions of our ancestors (symbolized by 'sowing dragon's teeth') lead to conflicts and struggles that future generations must face ('armed men'). It reflects the idea that our past decisions can create challenges that we may not fully understand, affecting the lives of those who come after us.
Themes
GenerationsConsequencesChoicesLegacySuffering
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of considering future generations when making decisions.
More from Stephen Vincent Benet
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It is forbidden to go east, but I have gone, forbidden to go on the great river, but I am there. Open your hearts, you spirits, and hear my song.
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You can't depend on the kind of folks people think they are - you've got to go by what they do. And I wouldn't give much for a man that some folks hadn't thought was a fool, in his time.
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Go play with the towns you have built of blocks, The towns where you would have bound me! I sleep in my earth like a tired fox, And my bufdfalo have found me.
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We can no longer take our own way of life for granted - we know that it may be challenged. And we know this, too - and know it ever more deeply - we know that freedom and democracy are not just big words mouthed by orators but the rain and the wind and the sun, the air and the light by which we breathe and live.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
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