Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator.
Wendell PhillipsRead
Write on my gravestone: 'Infidel, Traitor.', infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses a commitment to stand against injustice, both in religious and governmental contexts.
Wendell Phillips' quote reflects his strong moral stance against any form of oppression and compromise with wrongdoing. By choosing the words 'Infidel' and 'Traitor,' he highlights the idea that true integrity may often put one at odds with established institutions that prioritize conformity over justice.
Themes
InjusticeOppressionCourageIntegrityStand UpTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for civil rights, one might cite this quote to emphasize the importance of standing against oppression.
More from Wendell Phillips
All quotes βSeldom ever was any knowledge given to keep, but to impart; the grace of this rich jewel is lost in concealment.
Wendell PhillipsRead
If you want to be an orator, first get your great cause.
Wendell PhillipsRead
Debt is the fatal disease of republics, the first thing and the mightiest to undermine governments and corrupt the people.
Wendell PhillipsRead
Organize, and stand together. Claim something together, and at once; let the nation hear a united demand from the laboring voice, and then, when you have got that, go on after another; but get something.
Wendell PhillipsRead
On a single winged word hath hung the destiny of nations.
Wendell PhillipsRead
Similar quotes
You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than live as slaves.
Winston ChurchillRead
I will to my dying day oppose with all the powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on the one hand, and villainy on the other, as this writ of assistance is.
James OtisRead
...children have the resilience to outlive their sufferings, if given a chance.
Ishmael BeahRead
When you come from a background like mine, where you're entering worlds that are so different than your own, you have to be afraid.
Sonia SotomayorRead
The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, in spite of being unacceptable.
Paul TillichRead
Rape is the most humiliating thing that can be done to you; it's the most vulnerable that you can be. But once I realized that, I became a stronger person and faced all my fears.
Fiona AppleRead