"I felt invincible. My strength was that of a giant. God was certainly standing by me. I smashed five saloons with rocks before I ever took a hatchet"
- Carry Nation
About this Quote
Carry Nation was a prominent figure in the temperance motion in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her quote, "I felt invincible. My strength was that of a giant. God was definitely standing by me. I smashed five saloons with rocks before I ever took a hatchet," powerfully catches her impassioned dedication and sense of magnificent mission in her fight versus alcohol.
To start with, the declaration "I felt invincible" suggests a frustrating sense of nerve, decision, and self-assurance. Nation perceived herself as unstoppable and capable of taking on powerful challenges in her crusade versus the saloons and their role in alcohol intake. This feeling of invincibility may have come from her deep commitment to her cause and the ethical high ground she thought she occupied.
The phrase "My strength was that of a giant" highlights the amazing physical and mental vitality she experienced. Even when lacking standard weapons, she viewed herself as possessing tremendous power. This strength could be translated as both actual, provided her physical actions versus saloon residential or commercial properties, and metaphorical, representing her steadfast willpower and fortitude in the face of difficulty.
"God was definitely standing by me" indicates Nation's strong belief that her actions were divinely inspired and supported. Such a conviction would have supplied her with tremendous moral support, enhancing her view that her mission was righteous and ordained by a higher power. This divine reason was likely essential in keeping her resilience and dismissing social criticism.
Lastly, the referral to smashing "five saloons with rocks before I ever took a hatchet" highlights her progressive escalation in methods. Initially utilizing rocks, Nation later on became infamous for her hatchet-wielding assaults on saloon homes, signifying her preparedness to heighten her efforts as she became more confident and determined in her objective.
Overall, the quote encapsulates Carry Nation's eagerness, ethical conviction, and viewed magnificent endorsement in her relentless project versus alcohol usage. Her actions, driven by a blend of individual resolve and spiritual belief, made her a legendary and polarizing figure in the temperance movement.
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