Sir, – Paddy Woodworth notes Larkin’s use of the phrase “The great are only great because we are on our knees” (Opinion, August 12th). Larkin clearly knew his history as the phrase comes from the masthead of one of the prominent radical newspapers of the French Revolution, launched by Élysées Loustalot in July 1789, and first appeared in the number reporting on the fall of the Bastille. The original is even more telling (translated): “The great only appear great because we are on our knees . . . Let us rise!” What better argument does our Minister for Education need for restoring history to the core curriculum? – Yours, etc,
HUGH GOUGH,
Grange Park,
Foxrock, Dublin 18.