I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying that I approved of it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- I missed the funeral but sent a letter approving of it, showing detached approval.
- In plain terms
- I didn't attend but pretended to support the event.
- What can you take from it?
- Actions speak louder than empty gestures.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is a symbolic gesture enough?
- How do you reconcile distance and support?
Another view
Sometimes a letter is appropriate when presence is impossible.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
France is miserable because it is filled with Frenchmen, and Frenchmen are miserable because they live in France.
Permalink to quote #168 I have found solace in profanity unexcelled even by prayer.
Permalink to quote #170 Every generalization is false, including this one.
Permalink to quote #167
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