"The only difference between me and others is that they think they can change something with cute little poems, nice cards or embracing trees and being nice to little lapdogs"
- Henry Rollins
About this Quote
In this quote, Henry Rollins appears to express a sense of skepticism or even ridicule towards what he views as superficial or ineffectual approaches of causing genuine change. Rollins, known for his intense personality and important views on social concerns, contrasts himself with others who may think that little, symbolic gestures-- like composing poems, sending out great cards, or engaging in acts of niceness towards animals-- can add to substantial social improvement.
Rollins' depiction of "adorable little poems, nice cards, or welcoming trees and being great to little lapdogs" can be analyzed as a review of what he sees as extremely sentimental or passive techniques to dealing with complex social and political problems. There is an implicit judgment that these actions, while possibly well-intentioned, lack the substance or force required to effect real modification. He may be recommending that such gestures serve more to comfort the individual performing them rather than deal with the origin of the problems they want to address.
This quote could also show Rollins' wider worldview, one that perhaps favors more direct, confrontational, and concrete actions over those he deems symbolic or simply expressive. The underlying message might be a call for individuals to take part in deeper, more dedicated forms of activism or change-making that exceed surface-level gestures.
Moreover, Rollins' use of the expression "they believe they can change something" suggests a division in between understanding and reality in the effectiveness of these actions. It raises concerns about the nature and effectiveness of specific versus cumulative action, and what genuinely makes up impactful change. Given Rollins' history and credibility, this statement might motivate a reevaluation of how one contributes to making the world a better place, advising a more pragmatic, perhaps even gritty method to activism.
Ultimately, the quote challenges us to evaluate our methods and motivations in pursuing change and asks whether our actions are genuinely transformative or simply comforting façades.
This quote is written / told by Henry Rollins somewhere between February 13, 1961 and today. He/she was a famous Musician from USA.
The author also have 36 other quotes.
"You know what? I'm really attracted to British women, there's something innately proper about them. However badly they behave their accent is so cute that it makes up for everything!"
"Justin Timberlake is everything, and what more could you want in a person? He's funny. He's cute. He's great. He just understands. I get him and he gets me, and that's cool"
"My first real kiss came when I was 10, and it was in an acting class. I had to do a scene from a movie where someone gets kissed under a tree, and I did not want to do it! But my acting partner wanted me to feel comfortable, so he bought a picnic basket with all these snacks. He made such an effort - and it was cute"