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Quote of the Day: Stand Like a Rock
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” — Thomas Jefferson
The idea of standing like a rock resonated with me: I just appreciate the strength, resoluteness, and power it suggests. Unfortunately, the further I delved into this quotation, the more I realized that Jefferson may have been a sage of sorts for his time, but we seem to mostly have abandoned his advice. But I’m getting ahead of myself…
How do we understand the meaning of style? We can only guess at Jefferson’s meaning, but here is a collection of definitions:
- The way in which something is said, done, expressed, or performed.
- The combination of distinctive features of literary or artistic expression, execution, or performance characterizing a particular person, group, school, or era.
- Sort; type.
I’d wager that the second definition was likely what Jefferson meant. But would his statement hold true today?
I think not. We can no longer afford to swim with the currents that have flooded our society. The “style” people want us to adopt are superficial but not casual; they have been turned into dictates and laws. Preferences of many on the Left now demand that we not only allow them to exist alongside us, but we must accept them and promote them. We must adopt gender pronouns, transgenderism, hatred for law enforcement and moral relativism. Our pursuing cultural creativity, such as hairstyles, clothing, and conversation, are labeled with the insult of “cultural appropriation.” Peaceful demonstrations to support law enforcement, preserving life, and even religion are frowned on if not condemned. Movies, TV documentaries, and music demonstrate the beliefs of the political Left and condemn any art outside of their mandates. What happens when the turbulent “current” threatens to drown us all?
I found this series of definitions for the word “principle”:
- A basic truth, law, or assumption.
- A rule or standard, especially of good behavior.
- The collectivity of moral or ethical standards or judgments.
When we stand like a rock for principle, what are we describing? Is it possible to agree on any fundamental principles? Are there standards that we all can agree on? Does a “collectivity of moral or ethical standards or judgments” exist?
And even more challenging is deciding when we can, when we must, “stand like a rock.” What battle are you willing to fight? What hill are you prepared to die on? What moral or ethical tenet are you prepared to embrace, even when you fear retribution?
It is clear that we must create and clarify our own “style” and “principles” and be prepared to defend them.
I think that’s what Jefferson would have wanted us to do.
Published in Group Writing
Susan, you are one of the rocks of Ricochet. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, Gary.
Pretty sure I’ve inadvertently stood like a rock on matters of clothing style (that is, stood still in time). Hopefully likewise on more important, weighty matters. In a few cases, I’m sure of it. Thanks, Susan!
Thank you, Chris. It’s good to reflect on these things. For example, I don’t give much thought to potential ramifications to some of the things I write on Ricochet, but I think my husband has some concerns about it. If someone on the Left was angry about what I wrote, or maybe about what any of us wrote, there could be ramifications. So it goes. . .
Yes, it’s true, but it’s also the time for doing so. I’ve had some experiences lately of being the adult in the room where it’s just the opposite here, I always feel like the kid. Anyway, I’ve found one reasonable voice is able to carry the day. “One reasonable voice” is not the style of this day, it is the needed rock. The Sturm und Drang of this “see me” movement has no strength, only fear sustains it.
Lots of mixing the two today. It is very clear from the quote that the one is fleeting but what counts is permanent.
Today, style is being used to erode principles. Amend Jefferson’s admonition accordingly.
I understand that there is a possibility that in this world there are those with social personality traits sometimes distinguished as extroverted or introverted. I wonder if there is an interactive effect here that raises the status of style and confuses people regarding what is important. I asked one of my granddaughters, when she was maybe just entering her teens, what she wanted to be when she grew up. She said “famous’.
This is a frequent answer. People may not want so much to be famous, but be “seen,” at least when they get past their early years. They think the opinion of others is more important than whether they see themselves as a righteous person.
I think that’s an excellent distinction. Let’s hope today’s “style” demands are indeed fleeting!
That granddaughter is taking my wife with her and her two children (our great-grandchildren) out to lunch today. Those two really love to be with their “Mamama”, not so much with “Papa”, the family introvert.
“Mamama” got that name when our oldest granddaughter said what came out like that when she first tried to say grandmama. Now that’s what they all call her.
That calling to be famous goes away quickly.
. . . when they have a proper upbringing. I suspect she had righteous parents!
BTW, I love when names get converted into the child’s vernacular–it’s so cute! Mamama.
The problem is, some people don’t know the difference between “famous” and “notorious.”
. . . and they probably don’t care! ;-)
A naming is big mojo.
“It is better to have influenced on OnlyFans than to never have influenced at all.”
Standing like a rock is a good metaphor, on some occasions. Another good one is to bend like a willow in the wind.
On what principle would I stand like a rock? Faith in Jesus. I hope that I would stand on that. This might be the only one.
You reminded me of the Simon and Garfunkel song.
In which we learn that rocks are impervious to discomfort and that small land masses aren’t lachrymose.
“I promise, leisure suits will be back in fashion!”
Stop, you’re making the island cry!
If only I could find my lime green suit.
I am reminded of a quote by the great G.K. Chesterton: “A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.”
Perfect.
Of course, when you swim with the current, you might hit a rock.
No! No! You have to keep your eyes open, BJ!
Do you think that those who swim with the current keep their eyes open?
Be the rock for someone else to hit.