December 10

December 10 Quotes of the day from previous years:


 * 2004
 * Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge, Now, therefore, The General Assembly, Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations... ~ From the Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ~ Adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, 10 December 1948
 * selected by Kalki


 * 2005
 * Tell all the Truth but tell it slant — Success in Circuit lies Too bright for our infirm Delight The Truth's superb surprise As Lightning to the Children eased With explanation kind The Truth must dazzle gradually Or every man be blind — ~ Emily Dickinson (born 10 December 1830)
 * proposed by Kalki


 * 2006
 * The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference. ~ Elie Wiesel, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on this date in 1986.
 * proposed by UDScott


 * 2007
 * If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality. ~ Desmond Tutu, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on this day in 1984.
 * proposed by UDScott


 * 2008
 * "Hope" is the thing with feathers — That perches in the soul — And sings the tune without the words — And never stops — at all — And sweetest — in the Gale — is heard — And sore must be the storm — That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm —  ~ Emily Dickinson ~
 * proposed by Kalki


 * 2009
 * We despise and abhor the bully, the brawler, the oppressor, whether in private or public life, but we despise no less the coward and the voluptuary. No man is worth calling a man who will not fight rather than submit to infamy or see those that are dear to him suffer wrong. ~ Theodore Roosevelt, from his Nobel prize speech, the prize was awarded to him this day on 1906
 * proposed by UDScott


 * 2010
 * The history of the human race has generated several papers articulating basic moral imperatives, or fundamental principles, of human coexistence that… substantially influenced the fate of humanity on this planet. Among these historic documents, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights … holds a very special, indeed, unique position. It is the first code of ethical conduct that was not a product of one culture, or one sphere of civilization only, but a universal creation, shaped and subscribed to by representatives of all humankind. Since its very inception, the Declaration has thus represented a planetary, or global commitment, a global intention, a global guideline. For this reason alone, this exceptional document — conceived as a result of a profound human self-reflection in the wake of the horrors of World War II, and retaining its relevance ever since — deserves to be remembered today. ~ Václav Havel (quote from a speech on the 50th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, 10 December 1948)
 * proposed by Kalki
 * 2011
 * THE BLUNDER is to estimate,— “Eternity is Then,” We say, as of a station. Meanwhile he is so near, He joins me in my ramble, Divides abode with me, No friend have I that so persists As this Eternity. - Emily Dickinson
 * proposed by Zarbon


 * 2012


 * proposed by Kalki


 * 2013


 * proposed by bystander


 * 2014


 * proposed by Kalki


 * 2015


 * proposed by Zarbon


 * 2016


 * proposed by Kalki


 * 2017


 * proposed by Kalki


 * 2018


 * proposed by Kalki for Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


 * 2019


 * proposed by Zarbon


 * 2020


 * proposed by Jeandré du Toit


 * 2021


 * proposed by ΞΔΞ


 * 2022


 * proposed by Zarbon


 * 2023


 * proposed by Zarbon


 * 2024 : Rank or add further suggestions…

Suggestions

 * Human Rights Day is annually recognized on this date, as the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.



A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons. ~ Desmond Tutu, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on this day in 1984.
 * 3 ~ UDScott 23:09, 28 November 2005 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki 18:10, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
 * 2 InvisibleSun 23:33, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
 * 1 Zarbon 16:07, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. ~ Emily Dickinson (date of birth)
 * 3 ~ UDScott 23:09, 28 November 2005 (UTC)
 * This is a statement that is the motto of the "The Christophers", which they state is derived from a Chinese proverb (which has sometimes been attributed to Confucius); it has also sometimes been rendered as "It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness" or "Don't curse the darkness — light a candle." It was added to the Dickinson page by an anonymous editor some time ago, but it does not seem to be commonly attributed to her, so I am removing it from there. ~ Kalki 21:02, 9 December 2005 (UTC) I might consider ranking it here, if no other quote seems quite so appropriate some year.


 * 4 if it is correctly attributed because it is one of my favorite sayings. Zarbon 16:07, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

Hey, what's up with the Weasel? She's locked herself in the bathroom singing, 'On the first day of Christmas, I murdered Santa Claus.' ~ Eric Matthews from A Boy Meets World (episode with quote aired first today in 1993)
 * 1 Kalki 18:10, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
 * 0 Zarbon 16:07, 26 April 2008 (UTC)
 * 0 Zarbon 16:07, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

A Grave — is a restricted Breadth — Yet ampler than the Sun — And all the Seas He populates And lands he looks upon To Him who on its small Repose Bestows a single Friend — Circumference without Relief — Or Estimate — or End ~ Emily Dickinson
 * 3 InvisibleSun 23:33, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki 18:53, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * 1 Zarbon 16:07, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

More than the Grave is closed to me — The Grave and that Eternity To which the Grave adheres — I cling to nowhere till I fall — The Crash of nothing, yet of all — How similar appears — ~ Emily Dickinson
 * 3 InvisibleSun 23:33, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki 18:53, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * 1 Zarbon 16:07, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

If Aims impel these Astral Ones The ones allowed to know Know that which makes them as forgot As Dawn forgets them — now ~ Emily Dickinson
 * 3 InvisibleSun 23:33, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
 * 3 Kalki 18:53, 9 December 2007 (UTC)
 * 1 Zarbon 16:07, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

You can't get too attached to stuff. And you have to remember that people must never become possessions. People are spheres intersecting. You have to make sure that one sphere doesn't ever take over the other. Individuality is absolutely the most important thing. ~ Brian Molko
 * 2 Zarbon 05:27, 9 November 2008 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki 00:26, 8 December 2008 (UTC) (but a page should be created for the author before this is ever used)

GLEE! the great storm is over! Four have recovered the land; Forty gone down together Into the boiling sand. Ring, for the scant salvation! Toll, for the bonnie souls,— Neighbor and friend and bridegroom, Spinning upon the shoals! How they will tell the shipwreck When winter shakes the door, Till the children ask, “But the forty? Did they come back no more?” Then a silence suffuses the story,	 And a softness the teller’s eye; And the children no further question, And only the waves reply. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

IF I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain;	 If I can ease one life the aching,	 Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again,	 I shall not live in vain. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * This was already used on 7 May 2004

MUCH madness is divinest sense To a discerning eye; Much sense the starkest madness. ’T is the majority In this, as all, prevails. Assent, and you are sane; Demur,—you ’re straightway dangerous, And handled with a chain. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3.5 and very strong lean toward 4. - Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

I NEVER hear the word “escape” Without a quicker blood, A sudden expectation, A flying attitude. I never hear of prisons broad By soldiers battered down, But I tug childish at my bars,— Only to fail again! - Emily Dickinson
 * 4 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

SURGEONS must be very careful When they take the knife! Underneath their fine incisions Stirs the culprit,—Life! - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

IT tossed and tossed,— A little brig I knew,— O’ertook by blast, It spun and spun, And groped delirious, for morn. It slipped and slipped, As one that drunken stepped; Its white foot tripped, Then dropped from sight. Ah, brig, good-night To crew and you; The ocean’s heart too smooth, too blue,	 To break for you. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

MINE enemy is growing old,— I have at last revenge. The palate of the hate departs;	 If any would avenge,— Let him be quick, the viand flits, It is a faded meat. Anger as soon as fed is dead; ’T is starving makes it fat. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 and lean toward 4. Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

DROWNING is not so pitiful As the attempt to rise. Three times, ’t is said, a sinking man Comes up to face the skies, And then declines forever To that abhorred abode Where hope and he part company,—	 For he is grasped of God. The Maker’s cordial visage, However good to see, Is shunned, we must admit it, Like an adversity. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

UPON the gallows hung a wretch, Too sullied for the hell	 To which the law entitled him. As nature’s curtain fell The one who bore him tottered in, For this was woman’s son. “’T was all I had,” she stricken gasped; Oh, what a livid boon! - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 and very strong lean toward 4. - Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 1 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

FATE slew him, but he did not drop; She felled—he did not fall— Impaled him on her fiercest stakes— He neutralized them all. She stung him, sapped his firm advance, But, when her worst was done, And he, unmoved, regarded her, Acknowledged him a man. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

IT might be easier To fail with land in sight, Than gain my blue peninsula To perish of delight. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

HOW happy is the little stone	 That rambles in the road alone, And does n’t care about careers, And exigencies never fears; Whose coat of elemental brown A passing universe put on;	 And independent as the sun, Associates or glows alone, Fulfilling absolute decree In casual simplicity. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

NEW feet within my garden go, New fingers stir the sod; A troubadour upon the elm Betrays the solitude. New children play upon the green, New weary sleep below; And still the pensive spring returns, And still the punctual snow! - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 1 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THE PEDIGREE of honey Does not concern the bee; A clover, any time, to him Is aristocracy. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THE GRASS so little has to do,— A sphere of simple green, With only butterflies to brood, And bees to entertain, And stir all day to pretty tunes The breezes fetch along, And hold the sunshine in its lap And bow to everything;  And thread the dews all night, like pearls, And make itself so fine,- A duchess were too common For such a noticing. And even when it dies, to pass In odors so divine, As lowly spices gone to sleep, Or amulets of pine. And then to dwell in sovereign barns, And dream the days away,— The grass so little has to do, I wish I were a hay! - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 1 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

PRESENTIMENT is that long shadow on the lawn Indicative that suns go down; The notice to the startled grass That darkness is about to pass. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

IT makes no difference abroad, The seasons fit the same,	 The mornings blossom into noons, And split their pods of flame. Wild-flowers kindle in the woods, The brooks brag all the day; No blackbird bates his jargoning For passing Calvary. Auto-da-fé and judgment Are nothing to the bee; His separation from his rose To him seems misery. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 1 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THERE is a word Which bears a sword Can pierce an armed man. It hurls its barbed syllables,— At once is mute again. But where it fell The saved will tell On patriotic day, Some epauletted brother Gave his breath away. Wherever runs the breathless sun, Wherever roams the day, There is its noiseless onset, There is its victory! Behold the keenest marksman! The most accomplished shot! Time’s sublimest target Is a soul “forgot”! - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 3 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

HEART, we will forget him! You and I, to-night! You may forget the warmth he gave, I will forget the light. When you have done, pray tell me, That I my thoughts may dim; Haste! lest while you’re lagging, I may remember him! - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

I NEVER saw a moor, I never saw the sea; Yet know I how the heather looks, And what a wave must be. I never spoke with God,	 Nor visited in heaven; Yet certain am I of the spot As if the chart were given. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 and lean toward 4. Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC) with a lean toward 3.

I REASON, earth is short, And anguish absolute. And many hurt; But what of that? I reason, we could die: The best vitality Cannot excel decay; But what of that? I reason that in heaven Somehow, it will be even, Some new equation given; But what of that? - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 and lean toward 3. Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

NO rack can torture me, My soul ’s at liberty. Behind this mortal bone There knits a bolder one You cannot prick with saw, Nor rend with scymitar. Two bodies therefore be; Bind one, and one will flee. The eagle of his nest No easier divest And gain the sky, Than mayest thou, Except thyself may be Thine enemy; Captivity is consciousness, So’s liberty. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

A DEATH-BLOW is a life-blow to some Who, till they died, did not alive become; Who, had they lived, had died, but when They died, vitality begun. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

OUR journey had advanced; Our feet were almost come To that odd fork in Being’s road, Eternity by term. Our pace took sudden awe, Our feet reluctant led. Before were cities, but between, The forest of the dead. Retreat was out of hope,— Behind, a sealed route, Eternity’s white flag before, And God at every gate. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THAT such have died enables us The tranquiller to die; That such have lived, certificate For immortality. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THE DISTANCE that the dead have gone Does not at first appear; Their coming back seems possible For many an ardent year. And then, that we have followed them We more than half suspect, So intimate have we become With their dear retrospect. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

BLESS God, he went as soldiers, His musket on his breast; Grant, God, he charge the bravest Of all the martial blest. Please God, might I behold him In epauletted white, I should not fear the foe then, I should not fear the fight. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

IMMORTAL is an ample word When what we need is by, But when it leaves us for a time, ’T is a necessity. Of heaven above the firmest proof We fundamental know, Except for its marauding hand, It had been heaven below. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)

SO proud she was to die It made us all ashamed That what we cherished, so unknown To her desire seemed. So satisfied to go Where none of us should be, Immediately, that anguish stooped Almost to jealousy. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

FAME is a fickle food	 Upon a shifting plate, Whose table once a Guest, but not The second time, is set. Whose crumbs the crows inspect, And with ironic caw Flap past it to the Farmer’s corn; Men eat of it and die. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 and strong lean toward 4. Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THERE is a solitude of space, A solitude of sea, A solitude of death, but these Society shall be, Compared with that profounder site, That polar privacy, A Soul admitted to Itself: Finite Infinity. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 1 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

NATURE is what we see, The Hill, the Afternoon—	 Squirrel, Eclipse, the Bumble-bee,	 Nay—Nature is Heaven. Nature is what we hear,	 The Bobolink, the Sea— Thunder, the Cricket—	 Nay,—Nature is Harmony. Nature is what we know But have no art to say, So impotent our wisdom is To Her simplicity. - Emily Dickinson
 * 2 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC) but would trim it to the last stanza, which I might rank a 3 or 4 eventually.

SOME Days retired from the rest In soft distinction lie,	 The Day that a companion came— Or was obliged to die. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 2 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THE SWEETS of Pillage can be known To no one but the Thief, Compassion for Integrity Is his divinest Grief. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 1 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

THE FACE we choose to miss, Be it but for a day— As absent as a hundred years When it has rode away. - Emily Dickinson
 * 3 Zarbon 20:21, 23 August 2009 (UTC)
 * 1 Kalki (talk &middot; contributions) 13:53, 7 December 2009 (UTC)


 * 3. – Illegitimate Barrister (talk • contribs) 04:54, 29 September 2017 (UTC)