The unspoken contract between ruler and subject is that in return for safety, prosperity, and prestige, the Russians entrust power and cede democratic freedoms to their leaders.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
The vanishing of David Tang is like the unthinkable diappearance of a magnificent palace on a mythical mountaintop. He was a dreammaker, pianist, adventurer, writer, entrepreneur, scholar, connoisseur, and a great friend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the profound impact of David Tang's life and the void left by his absence, likening it to the loss of something extraordinary.
Simon Sebag-Montefiore's quote about David Tang emphasizes the uniqueness of Tang's character and the remarkable contributions he made as a multifaceted individual. By comparing his disappearance to that of a magnificent palace, the quote highlights the richness of Tang's experiences and relationships, suggesting that his legacy will remain cherished among those who knew him.
Themes
FriendshipLegacyImpactLifeLoss
In practice
Example use cases
In a eulogy at a memorial service.
More from Simon Sebag-Montefiore
All quotes βThe political lives of tyrants play out human affairs with a special intensity: the death of a democratic leader long after his retirement is a private matter, but the death of a tyrant is always a political act that reflects the character of his power.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
Under Stalin, artists weren't dissidents; all they hoped was to survive and write.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
It's the mix of the trivial and the great events that make up history. It's the low things about high people that make it fascinating, and that's why it would be a shame to exclude the trivial things. That mixing up is not just at the heart of history. It's at the heart of how to live a great life.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
The disorder, uncertainty, and strife of a revolution make citizens yearn for stable authority, or they turn to radicalism.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
A revolution resembles the death of a fading star, an exhilarating Technicolor explosion that gives way not to an ordered new galaxy but to a nebula, a formless cloud of shifting energy.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
Similar quotes
A friend who cannot at a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.
Samuel ButlerRead
Service cannot be expected from a friend in service; let him be a freeman who wishes to be my master.
MartialRead
A friend is one soul abiding in two bodies.
DiogenesRead
We'll be there, Harry," said Ron "What?" "At your Aunt and Uncle's house," said Ron, "And then we'll go with you wherever you're going." "No-" said Harry quickly; he hadn't counted on this, he had meant them to understand that he was undertaking the most dangerous journey alone. "You said it once before," said Hermione quickly, "that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, haven't we? We're with you whatever happens.
J. K. RowlingRead
I've been an important star and lived a full life, yet I only hve three close friends. I guess that's all anyone can expect.
Hedy LamarrRead
If you wish to win a man over to your ideas, first make him your friend.
Abraham LincolnRead