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Robert Lansing Quotes

Powerful Robert Lansing for Daily Growth

About Robert Lansing

Robert Lansing (1864-1938) was an esteemed American poet and novelist, whose prolific literary career spanned over four decades. Born in Auburn, New York on December 26, 1864, he grew up in a literary family, which significantly influenced his artistic leanings. His father, David Lansing, was a journalist and editor for the Syracuse Daily Standard. Lansing attended Cornell University but left before graduating to pursue a career as a writer. His first book of poems, "Songs of a Sabbath Day" (1895), received critical acclaim and established him as a promising new voice in American poetry. Lansing's work often explored themes of spirituality, nature, and the human condition, reflecting his personal beliefs and experiences. One of Lansing's most influential works was "The Valley of the Shadow" (1898), a novel that delved into the complexities of religious faith, doubt, and redemption. The novel gained significant attention for its exploration of these themes, which were not often tackled in literature at the time. During his career, Lansing was also a renowned essayist, editor, and critic. He edited "The Century Magazine" from 1906 to 1932, using his position to promote emerging writers and literary movements. Among his notable works as an essayist are "The Common Sense of Poetry" (1928) and "The Making of a Writer" (1935). In 1930, Lansing was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his novel "The Man Who Made Himself a King" (1928), a historical fiction based on the life of Louis XIV. Robert Lansing passed away on October 7, 1938, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy in American literature. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its depth, beauty, and thought-provoking themes.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The first duty of any government is to keep its own citizens safe."

This quote by Robert Lansing emphasizes that the primary responsibility of a government lies in ensuring the safety and security of its own citizens. It implies that the protection of the nation's people from harm, threats, or dangers should be the top priority for any functioning administration. This focus on domestic safety could encompass various aspects such as maintaining law and order, providing public security, ensuring economic stability, addressing social issues, and promoting human rights and freedoms within its jurisdiction.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse."

This quote suggests that while war is inherently destructive and tragic, a passive or apathetic attitude toward conflict, where one believes that no cause is worth fighting for, is a more serious moral and patriotic failure. The author implies that such an outlook not only undermines the values of courage, honor, and sacrifice but also allows for the decay and degradation of societal structures and morals. This perspective posits that a willingness to fight for what one believes in is preferable to a cynical avoidance or dismissal of conflict.

"Patriotism is a great virtue; but it must be moderated by a more enlarged patriotism which takes humanity into consideration."

This quote by Robert Lansing emphasizes the importance of balancing one's national loyalty (patriotism) with a broader sense of compassion for all humanity. In other words, while it is essential to love and serve one's country, this affection should not blind us to the needs and rights of people everywhere. This perspective encourages individuals to uphold principles that benefit society as a whole, rather than just their own nation, promoting global understanding, peace, and unity.

"The real trouble with this world of ours is not the revolutions of governments, or the evolution of races, but it is always the artistically trained individual who can shape the mass."

This quote by Robert Lansing suggests that the primary issue in society is not political upheaval or racial change, but rather the lack of creative and thoughtfully educated individuals who can mold and influence the masses positively. In essence, he believes that it's essential for there to be skilled artists and thinkers to shape and guide human progress.

"A man's country is not a territory but another name for the heart's affections."

This quote by Robert Lansing suggests that a person's homeland or nationality isn't simply defined by geographical boundaries, but rather it encompasses the emotional connections, love, and attachments one has towards their place of origin, culture, or community. It emphasizes that patriotism or allegiance is not solely about physical territory, but rather about the deep-rooted sentiments and affections a person holds for their country.

I wanted to be that cranky old guy that stands on his porch and yells at the neighborhood kids.

- Robert Lansing

Wanted, Stands, His, Neighborhood

You know, I don't mind dying. The thing that pisses me off is that I won't get to be an old man. I was looking forward to that.

- Robert Lansing

Mind, Forward, Old, Old Man

I consider those actors who amaze me are somehow less attractive to me than those actors who move me.

- Robert Lansing

Attractive, Less, Move, Amaze

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