He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.
Interpretation
Cherishing the memories of those who have passed keeps their essence alive within us.
This quote highlights the idea that memories of loved ones who have died can have a powerful and lasting impact on our lives. Rather than being mere remnants of the past, these memories can create a presence that feels more vivid and influential than that of the living, emphasizing the enduring connection we have with those we've lost.
In practice
During a speech at a memorial service, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of remembering those we've lost.
Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? " Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? " Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.
Attitude is a paintbrush. It colors everything!
Water, thou hast no taste, no color, no odor; canst not be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, thou fillest us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses.
In those days, I didn't understand anything. I should have judged her according to her actions, not her words. She perfumed my planet and lit up my life. I should never have run away! I ought to have realized the tenderness underlying her silly pretensions. Flowers are so contadictory! But I was too young to know how to love her.
When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey.
When the body sinks into death, the essence of man is revealed. Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter. The body is an old crock that nobody will miss. I have never known a man to think of himself when dying. Never.
A straight oar looks bent in the water. What matters is not merely that we see things but how we see them.
What is human warfare but just this; an effort to make the laws of God and nature take sides with one party.
If the militarily most powerful and least threatened states need nuclear weapons for their security, how can one deny such security to countries that are truly insecure? The present nuclear policy is a recipe for proliferation. It is a policy for disaster.
The modern world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues have gone mad because they have been isolated from each other and are wandering alone. Thus some scientists care for truth; and their truth is pitiless. Thus some humanitarians only care for pity; and their pity (I am sorry to say) is often untruthful.
Death focuses the mind on the things that really matter: why are we here, and what should we do?
The first step toward tolerance is respect and the first step toward respect is knowledge.
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