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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker describes joining a movement in a world without values and moving aimlessly toward something undefined.
In plain terms
People join movements even if the world has no meaning.
What can you take from it?
People seek direction even without clear values.

Where it applies

  • political movements
  • social causes

Putting it to work

  • critiquing blind activism
  • seeking true purpose

Questions to consider

  • Why do people join movements without values?
  • Does direction matter more than values?

Another view

Some movements provide necessary structure.

More from Thom Gunn

  1. Thus for each blunt-faced ignorant one The great grey rigid uniform combined Safety with virtue of the sun. Thus concepts linked like chainmail in the mind.

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  2. Distorting hackneyed words in hackneyed songs He turns revolt into a style, prolongs The impulse to a habit of the time.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. Direct me gods, whose changes are all holy, To where it flickers deep in grass, the moly.

    Permalink to quote #2

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