We admire warriors,
squabble around ballot box
will never inspire.

"The happiest countries, like the happiest women, have no history," said Dean.

"I hope I'll have a history," cried Emily. "I want a thrilling career."

"We all do, foolish one. Do you know what makes history? Pain -- and shame -- and rebellion -- and bloodshed and heartache. Star, ask yourself how many hearts ached -- and broke -- to make those crimson and purple pages in history that you find so enthralling. I told you the story of Leonidas and his Spartans the other day. They had mothers, sisters and sweethearts. If they could have fought a bloodless battle at the polls wouldn't it have been better -- if not so dramatic."

"I -- can't -- feel -- that way," said Emily confusedly. She was not old enough to think or say, as she would say ten years later, "The heroes of Thermopylae have been an inspiration to humanity for centuries. What squabble around a ballot-box will ever be that?"