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About this quote

What does it mean?
A man expected execution by parliament but chose to die holding the Bible and Magna Carta as symbols of his principles.
In plain terms
He prepared to face death by holding books representing his core values.
What can you take from it?
Principles can define even a person's final moments.

Where it applies

  • facing a crisis
  • defending convictions
  • studying historical figures

Putting it to work

  • holding to personal values
  • symbolic protest
  • reflecting on legacy

Questions to consider

  • What symbols define your values?
  • How do you face difficult outcomes?

Another view

This description focuses on symbolism rather than legal or political facts.

More from John Aubrey

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  3. How these curiosities would be quite forgott, did not such idle fellowes as I am putt them downe.

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