Love consists in leaving the loved one space to be themselves while providing the security within which that self may flourish.
Tony JudtRead
I see myself as, first and above all, a teacher of history; next, a writer of European history; next, a commentator on European affairs; next, a public intellectual voice within the American left; and only then an occasional, opportunistic participant in the pained American discussion of the Jewish matter.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the author's identity as primarily an educator and commentator on history and European affairs.
In this quote, Tony Judt outlines his self-perception and priorities, emphasizing his role as a teacher of history above all else. He identifies himself as not only a historian and writer but also a public intellectual engaged in the discourse of contemporary issues, particularly those affecting the Jewish community, while positioning his participation as secondary to his educational pursuits.
Themes
EducationHistoryTeacherIntellectualCommentary
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the importance of history in today's society, one might use this quote to emphasize the role of educators.
More from Tony Judt
All quotes →If active or concerned citizens forfeit politics, they thereby abandon their society to its most mediocre and venal public servants
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Obviously a primary liberal conviction is that we should be tolerant of other peoples' convictions. But if we believe in something, we had better find ways to say so convincingly.
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Social democracy does not represent an ideal future; it does not even represent the ideal past.
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What I am against is false optimism: the notion either that things have to go well, or else that they tend to, or else that the default condition of historical trajectories is characteristically beneficial in the long-run.
Tony JudtRead
I'm not sure I've learned anything new about life; but I've had to think harder about death and what comes after for other people.
Tony JudtRead
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