December 22, 2025

A thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.

Oscar Wilde (1854–1900), Irish poet and playwright, The Portable Curmudgeon, Jon Winokur, ed. (New York: 1987), p.193

Is there anything you would willingly die for? Another person? A cause? Thinking of those who died in wars that protected the way of life you enjoy, do you live a life worthy of their sacrifice? Do you care?

Wilde is correct, but death for something is more telling proof of commitment than life lived on the quiet side. On the other hand, death closes off any opportunity of promoting a favored cause beyond providing inspiration to those who follow, assuming they care.