There is all the difference in the world between teaching children about religion and handing them over to be taught by the religious.
Polly ToynbeeRead
My mother begged doctors to end her life. She was beyond the physical ability to swallow enough of the weak morphine pills she had around her. When she knew she was dying I promised to make sure she could go at a time of her choosing, but it was impossible. I couldn't help.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the struggle of facing death and the desire for autonomy in dying.
Polly Toynbee's quote poignantly illustrates the complex emotions surrounding terminal illness and the deep wish for control at the end of life. It captures the difficult reality that, despite a loved one's desire for peace and choice in their departure, circumstances may render such wish impossible, leaving caregivers in a place of helplessness and sorrow.
Themes
DeathAutonomyCaregivingTerminal IllnessStruggle
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about end-of-life care and patient autonomy.
More from Polly Toynbee
All quotes →Similar quotes
Oh, how I regret not having worn a bikini for the entire year I was 26. If anyone young is reading this, go, right this minute, put on a bikini, and don't take it off until you're 34.
Nora EphronRead
We must respect the rights and properties of our fellowman. And then learn to play the game of life, as well as the game of athletics, according to the rules of society. If you can take that and put it into practice in the community in which you live, then, to me you have won the greatest championship.
Jesse OwensRead
Golf is like life in a lot of ways - All the biggest wounds are self-inflicted.
William J. ClintonRead
I became a man in New York. New York made me the musician that I am and the person that I am, so it's impossible for me to say I regret having lived there.
Wynton MarsalisRead
It doesn't bother me at all. Do I hold any hard feelings? Not at all, ... Life is too short to sit around and hold grudges. I don't hold any whatsoever.
Kobe BryantRead
I don't mind growing old. I'm just not used to it.
Victor BorgeRead