Une pétition est un poème et un poème est une pétition

Papa: My children believe that their demonstrations and sit-ins...and happenings...what, they believe that these possess the capacity...not only to provoke society, but also to transform it.

Theo: What is it you're saying? If Langlois is dismissed, we shouldn't do anything?

If immigrants are deported,if students are beaten up, we shouldn't do anything?

Papa: What I'm saying is that a little lucidity would not go amiss.

Theo: So, uh, everyone's wrong but you? In France, in Italy, Germany, America?

Papa: Listen to me, Theo. Before you can change the world...

you must realize you yourself are part of it.

You cannot stand outside looking in.

Theo: You're the one who stands outside. You're the one who refused to sign a petition against the Vietnam War.

Papa: Poets don't sign petitions. They sign poems.

Theo: A petition is a poem.

Papa: Yes! And a poem is a petition.Thank you, but I'm not gaga yet. I don't need you to remind me of my own work!

Theo: [Speaking French] Une pétition est un poème et un poème est une pétition. Those are the most famous lines you ever wrote. And now look at you. I hope I'll never be like him...