No easy hope or lies Shall bring us to our goal, But iron sacrifice Of body, will, and soul. There is but one task for all - One life for each to give. What stands if Freedom fall? Who dies if England live?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kipling calls for total personal sacrifice for a greater goal, framing it as a singular duty for all to preserve freedom.
- In plain terms
- Achieving a great goal requires everyone to give up their life or comfort.
- What can you take from it?
- Great causes demand personal sacrifice from everyone involved.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What would you sacrifice for a greater good?
- When is personal sacrifice worth it?
Another view
It can be used to justify unnecessary suffering or war.
More from Rudyard Kipling
For all we have and are, For all our children's fate, Stand up and take the war. The Hun is at the gate!
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