
Drum-Taps. Reconciliation
Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919)
Source: The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism (1976), Chapter 6, The Public Household, p. 244
Context: Gadgets can be engineered, programs can be designed, institutions can be built, but belief has an organic quality, and it cannot be called into being by fiat. Once a faith is shattered, it takes a long time to grow again - for its soil is experience - and to become effective again.
Drum-Taps. Reconciliation
Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919)
“Blind faith in established experience has been shattered, outmoded regulations have been smashed.”
A Battle For Life (July 1958)
Context: The battle to save life is still going on. Up till now Lao Chiu has already lived for forty-four days. He lives on stubbornly and endures all suffering. Already he has become a banner, a fresh red banner. Many people regard him as a source of encouragement and as a model for them. Many consider him as a personification of the noble qualities of the working class and as a shining example of the great spirit of communism.
This battle to save life will eventually be won. The fact that Lao Chiu has lived until now is already a medical marvel. He has passed through one crisis after another and later he may face still more. But he will certainly live. Blind faith in established experience has been shattered, outmoded regulations have been smashed.
“At the end of a short time, once the first terror had subsided, calm was again restored.”
Boule de Suif (1880)
Context: At the end of a short time, once the first terror had subsided, calm was again restored. In many houses the Prussian officer ate at the same table with the family. He was often well-bred, and, out of politeness, expressed sympathy with France and repugnance at being compelled to take part in the war. This sentiment was received with gratitude; besides, his protection might be needful some day or other.