When beggars die there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.
The quote highlights the stark contrast in societal perception of death, suggesting that the passing of common individuals, such as beggars, goes unnoticed, while the deaths of influential figures, like princes, are marked by significant events. This reflects how history often prioritizes the lives of the powerful over those of ordinary people, indicating a disparity in the attention given to their lives and deaths.
In Barbara W. Tuchman's "The Guns of August," this observation underscores the themes of historical significance and the weight of leadership. Such insights encourage readers to reflect on who is remembered in history and the factors that dictate the value placed on different lives, ultimately questioning the criteria for what is deemed worthy of remembrance and celebration.
