But too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart, as…
““But too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart, as my favourite poet has written.’ ‘Who’s that?’ ‘W. B. Yeats. And I think that sometimes normal behaviour has to be suppressed, in order to carry on.’ ‘I’m not sure,’ said Maneck. ‘Wouldn’t it be better to respond honestly instead of hiding it? Maybe if everyone in the country was angry or upset, it might change things, force the politicians to behave properly.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excessive sacrifice can harden emotions; honest expression may be better than suppressed anger.
In simple terms: Too much sacrifice makes hearts cold; honesty can be healthier.
Key Takeaway
Balance sacrifice with openness.
Themes
sacrifice
honesty
politics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political activism
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
emotional resilience
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is suppression ever justified?
- How can honesty influence political change?
A Different Perspective
Honesty may provoke backlash.