"General Howe turned out some German wild boars and sows in his forests, to the great terror of the neighbourhood; and, at one time, a wild bull or buffalo: but the country rose upon them and destroyed them"
- Gilbert White
About this Quote
This quote by Gilbert White is describing General Howe's effort to introduce swines and also sows right into his forests. This was likely done to increase the amount of game readily available for hunting, along with to add to the visual of the woodland. However, the local populace was not pleased with this decision, as the wild boars as well as plants postured a danger to their animals and crops. At one factor, General Howe also tried to present a wild bull or buffalo, but the local population rose up and damaged the animals. This quote works as a reminder of the power of individuals, and also how they can withstand those in power when they feel their civil liberties are being endangered. It also functions as a cautioning to those in power to think about the consequences of their actions before making decisions that might adversely influence individuals they are intended to be serving.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"