I love the old way best, the simple way of poison, where we too are strong as men.
EuripidesRead
This is slavery, not to speak one's thought.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of freedom of expression and the oppression faced when one cannot voice their thoughts.
Euripides highlights the grave situation where individuals are denied the fundamental right to express their thoughts and opinions. This oppression acts as a form of slavery, diminishing one's autonomy and individuality, and reflects a critical view of societal constraints on free speech, thereby advocating for the inherent value of speaking one's mind openly.
Themes
FreedomExpressionOppressionThoughtAutonomy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of free speech in democratic societies.
More from Euripides
All quotes →Mankind . . . possesses two supreme blessings. First of these is the goddess Demeter, or Earth whichever name you choose to call her by. It was she who gave to man his nourishment of grain. But after her there came the son of Semele, who matched her present by inventing liquid wine as his gift to man. For filled with that good gift, suffering mankind forgets its grief; from it comes sleep; with it oblivion of the troubles of the day. There is no other medicine for misery.
EuripidesRead
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
EuripidesRead
Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.
EuripidesRead
Who then will dare to say I'm weak or timid? No, they'll say I'm loyal as a friend, ruthless as a foe, so much like a hero destined for glory.
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Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
EuripidesRead
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