Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.
Seamus HeaneyRead
There's never going to be a united Ireland, you know.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the prospect of a united Ireland may always remain unfulfilled.
Seamus Heaney's quote reflects a sense of realism regarding the complex political landscape in Ireland. It acknowledges the deep-rooted divisions and historical tensions that have made the idea of a united Ireland seem elusive, suggesting that despite aspirations, unity may not be attainable in the foreseeable future.
In practice
During a discussion about the political history of Ireland.
Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.
What I've said before, only half in joke, is that everybody in Ireland is famous. Or, maybe better, say everybody is familiar.
The kinds of truth that art gives us many, many times are small truths. They don't have the resonance of an encyclical from the Pope stating an eternal truth, but they partake of the quality of eternity. There is a sort of timeless delight in them.
If self is a location, so is love: Bearings taken, markings, cardinal points, Options, obstinacies, dug heels, and distance, Here and there and now and then, a stance.
In my early teens, I acquired a kind of representative status: went on behalf of the family to wakes and funerals and so on. And I would be counted on as an adult contributor when it came to farm work - the hay in the summertime, for example.
I think that water is immediately interesting. It's just, as an element, it is full of life. It is associated with origin; it is bright - it reflects you.
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
I happen to think that American politics is one of the noblest arts of mankind; and I cannot do anything else but write about it.
Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.
If we let Korea down, the Soviet[s] will keep right on going and swallow up one [place] after another.
Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.
Power is gradually stealing away from the many to the few, because the few are more vigilant and consistent.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.