Quote by Sydney Smith

A nation grown free in a single day is a child born with the limbs and the vigor of a man, who would take a drawn sword for his rattle, and set the house in a blaze that he might chuckle over the splendor.

A nation grown free in a single day is a child born with the

Summary

This quote suggests that when a nation achieves independence suddenly or without adequate preparation, it can be likened to a child born with the physical abilities of an adult. This metaphor implies that such a nation may recklessly use its newfound power for destructive or harmful purposes, without fully understanding the consequences. The mention of a drawn sword for a rattle symbolizes a dangerous playfulness, while setting the house ablaze represents the potential chaos and destruction that can arise from hasty actions. Overall, the quote warns against the dangers of abrupt independence without proper nurturing and maturation.

Topics

Revolution

By Sydney Smith

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.

Belief

My mom moved up between Leland and Greenville when I was jus

My mom moved up between Leland and Greenville when I was just a little tot.

Mom

Obstacles are opportunities turned upside down...or prisons

Obstacles are opportunities turned upside down...or prisons self-imposed.

Chriscinthia Blount

Success Mind Body Spirit Self Help Inspirational Obstacles Opportunities Self Improvement Achievement Successful Living

Life is divided up into the horrible and the miserable.

Life is divided up into the horrible and the miserable.

Life

The fact is that I find more most men are more open, more ge

The fact is that I find more most men are more open, more generous, and much more stimulating than the majority of females I know.

Men

You only find yourself when you disobey. Disobedience is the

You only find yourself when you disobey. Disobedience is the beginning of responsibility, I think.

Guillermo del Toro

I can think of some things that would be fun, but I'm living

I can think of some things that would be fun, but I'm living my dreams.

Life

You have sat too long for any good you have been doing. Depa

You have sat too long for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!

Oliver Cromwell

Parliament

To love is to admire with the heart; to admire is to love wi

To love is to admire with the heart; to admire is to love with the mind.

Theophile Gautier

Admiration

I was the oldest of the children in my family. I had to do a

I was the oldest of the children in my family. I had to do a lot of diaper-changing and lunch-making. I was taking my little sister to ballet, picking up my brother, sort of being a super-nanny.

Family

My poor vision gives me a soft-focus morning. For the first

My poor vision gives me a soft-focus morning. For the first half hour, I kind of wander through my house, and everything is a blur. I put my contacts in when I'm ready to deal with the world.

Carrie Ann Inaba

Morning

A mind always employed is always happy. This is the true sec

A mind always employed is always happy. This is the true secret, the grand recipe, for felicity.

Thomas Jefferson

Happiness