
“Burns too could have governed, debated in National Assemblies; politicized, as few could.”
1840s, Heroes and Hero-Worship (1840), The Hero as Man of Letters
Source: Lord of the Flies (1954), Ch. 12: The Cry of the Hunters
Context: What was the sensible thing to do?
There was no Piggy to talk sense. There was no solemn assembly for debate nor dignity of the conch.
“Burns too could have governed, debated in National Assemblies; politicized, as few could.”
1840s, Heroes and Hero-Worship (1840), The Hero as Man of Letters
“Proselytism is solemn nonsense, it makes no sense.”
We need to get to know each other, listen to each other and improve our knowledge of the world around us. Sometimes after a meeting I want to arrange another one because new ideas are born and I discover new needs. This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead towards the Good.
2010s, 2013, Interview in La Repubblica
“Crowd men have no sense of humor. It is very difficult to educate solemn and opinionated people.”
Source: The Meaning of a Liberal Education (1926), p. 89
“Dignity and love do not blend well, nor do they continue long together.”