"Revolution is a trivial shift in the emphasis of suffering"

In this quote, Tom Stoppard is suggesting that revolution, or a significant change in society or federal government, is simply a change in the method suffering is viewed or experienced. He is suggesting that suffering is a constant in human presence, and that transformation does not always remove it, however rather moves its focus or strength. Stoppard might be commenting on the cyclical nature of history, where one kind of suffering is changed by another through transformation. He may likewise be recommending that the source of suffering are not attended to by revolution, but rather masked or rerouted. Overall, this quote highlights the complex and frequently unclear nature of transformation and its effect on society.