"The great object of life is saga not sausage."
This quote suggests that the true purpose or goal in life should be a heroic journey, an epic tale filled with adventure, discovery, and personal growth (saga), rather than focusing solely on material possessions, such as wealth or status symbols (sausage). In other words, Livingston encourages individuals to prioritize meaningful experiences over the accumulation of worldly goods.
"We are all born ignorant, but one advantage of nursing mother is that she delivers a plausible alibi."
The quote suggests that humans are born without knowledge or understanding (ignorant), but as individuals grow and learn, they can use various excuses (plausible alibis) to justify their lack of knowledge at different stages of life. A nursing mother, in this context, provides a common excuse for her ignorance because the focus is on caring for her baby rather than acquiring knowledge during that period. In essence, Livingston humorously points out our shared human tendency to explain away our own ignorance.
"When you take sides with A, you must expect it to seem obviously wicked to its enemies and to be deemed righteous as time goes on by those who were A's friends."
This quote by Edward Livingston suggests that taking a side, whether A or otherwise, may initially be perceived as unjust by the opposing party but will eventually be seen as just or righteous to those aligned with you over time. It underscores the fluidity of perspectives and the tendency for history to reinterpret events based on shifting alliances and the passage of time.
"Nothing can so much insure (sic) purity of heart, as quantity of mind."
This quote suggests that a broad, expansive, or "quantitative" mindset - one that seeks knowledge, understanding, and growth - can foster a pure heart. By constantly learning and engaging with the world in a thoughtful manner, one can maintain integrity, empathy, and moral rectitude. In essence, Edward Livingston posits that intellectual curiosity is a path towards cultivating a virtuous character.
"To the enemy before him, every man is a hero; and at his own hearth, every woman is a saint."
This quote suggests that people tend to idealize those who oppose them (the 'enemy') as heroic or brave, while viewing their loved ones (at their own hearth) as pure and saintly. It implies an intriguing dichotomy between the perception of strangers versus familiar faces, emphasizing that we often see virtue in others when they are not part of our immediate circle. This can be a reflection on human nature, where we may hold higher expectations for those closest to us, while overlooking their flaws or weaknesses.
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