Let no man write my epitaph... When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then shall my character be vindicated, then may my epitaph be written.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the idea that a person's true character should be recognized in the context of their contributions to society and their country.
Robert Emmet's quote asserts that the worth of an individual should not be judged until their country achieves a distinguished status among other nations. It reflects the notion that personal legacy and character are deeply intertwined with national identity and values, suggesting that honor and recognition should come after one's contributions have had a significant impact.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about national pride during a celebration of independence.
"Let there be no inscription upon my tomb. Let no man write my epitaph. No man can write my epitaph. I am here ready to die. I am not allowed to vindicate my character; and when I am prevented from vindicating myself, let no man dare calumniate me. Let my character and motives repose in obscurity and peace, till other times and other men can do them justice.
I came to the conclusion long ago that all religions were true and that also that all had some error in them, and while I hold by my own religion, I should hold other religions as dear as Hinduism. So we can only pray, if we were Hindus, not that a Christian should become a Hindu; but our innermost prayer should be that a Hindu should become a better Hindu, a Muslim a better Muslim, and a Christian a better Christian.
If I were personally to define religion, I would say that it is a bandage that man has invented to protect a soul made bloody by circustance.
War gives the right to the conquerors to impose any condition they please upon the vanquished.
Success has always been the greatest liar - and the "work" itself is a success; the great statesman, the conqueror, the discoverer is disguised by his creations, often beyond recognition; the "work," whether of the artist or the philosopher, invents the man who has created it, who is supposed to have create it; "great men," as they are venerated, are subsequent pieces of wretched minor fiction
I was raised a black child in the South, where you're indoctrinated into a religion that an oppressor gave you.
I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them.
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