Truth lies prostrate on rugged heels with nameless calvaries.

Question

What does the following quotation mean?Truth lies prostrate on rugged heels with nameless calvaries.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

This was said on TV, on the Bill Maher show, by Dr. Cornel West. He is an African-American intellectual and activist, so I imagine this relates to racial oppression and the suppression of truth.

As the place where Christ was crucifed, 'Calvary' symbolizes oppression.

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim · Answer

From www.m-w.com --

truth
c: the body of true statements and propositions3 a: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality

prostrate
1: stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission; also : lying flat 2: completely overcome and lacking vitality, will, or power to rise

rugged
5 a: austere, stern b: coarse, rude c: rough and strong in character6 a: presenting a severe test of ability, stamina, or resolution b: strongly built or constituted

heel
4 a: the part (as of a shoe) that covers the human heel b: a solid attachment of a shoe or boot forming the back of the sole under the heel of the foot

nameless
6 a: incapable of precise description : indefinable b: too repulsive or distressing to describe

calvary
2 : an experience of usually intense mental suffering
_______

It's metaphoric, of course:

Truth has been crudely trampled on, experiencing sufferings too repulsive to describe.

Now, possibly, you'll want to know what thatmeans!

CJ

Marius Hancu · Answer

Truth suffers a lot in this world

Truth lies prostrate on rugged heels with nameless calvaries.

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