- The Thread Of Quotes; For Inspiration, Strength And Wisdom -

[sunraiser]

Sometimes another person can perfectly encapsulate complex emotions or struggles into just a few words that are completely relatable. Especially at times when it feels like your peers can't fathom what you're going through.

I have personally found certain quotes to bring an awful lot of strength in the moment during past difficulties. They've also helped me find particular philosophical threads I'd like to follow up (people or ideology) that have given me a beautiful sense of perspective and helped me learn a lot about myself and how I'd like to conduct myself.

I'm going to share a few that have been important to me. I'd also like to hear some stuff other people have found useful or beautiful. Maybe this thread can become something positive, though I have no idea if it'll catch on!

"No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell."

- C.G. Jung

"The gratification of desires is not happiness. Genuine happiness can only be achieved when we transform our way of life from the unthinking pursuit of pleasure to one committed to enriching our inner lives ~ when we focus on 'being more' rather than simply having more."

"Activity is another name for happiness.

Give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, live with the full radiance of your being. That is what it means to truly be alive."

- Daisaku Ikeda

"This man beside us also has a hard fight with an unfavouring world, with strong temptations, with doubts and fears. It is a fact, however surprising.

They are fighting a battle you know nothing about."

- Source not known by me (sorry!)

 

[Energizer]

I'm fond of this Arabic proverb:

Dwell not upon thy weariness, thy strength shall be according to the measure of thy desire.

Much of William Blake's writing is quite inspirational.

Buckminster Fuller's writing has plenty of gems to draw strength from:

Never forget that you are one of a kind. Never forget that if there weren’t any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn’t be here in the first place. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life’s challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person.

 

[LUH 3417]

• 
  Max Ehrmann
  
  
  Desiderata
  
  Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
  and remember what peace there may be in silence.
  As far as possible without surrender
  be on good terms with all persons.
  Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
  and listen to others,
  even the dull and the ignorant;
  they too have their story.
  Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
  they are vexations to the spirit.
  If you compare yourself with others,
  you may become vain and bitter;
  for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
  Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
  
  Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
  it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
  Exercise caution in your business affairs;
  for the world is full of trickery.
  But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
  many persons strive for high ideals;
  and everywhere life is full of heroism.
  
  Be yourself.
  Especially, do not feign affection.
  Neither be cynical about love;
  for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
  it is as perennial as the grass.
  
  Take kindly the counsel of the years,
  gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
  Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
  But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
  Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
  Beyond a wholesome discipline,
  be gentle with yourself.
  
  You are a child of the universe,
  no less than the trees and the stars;
  you have a right to be here.
  And whether or not it is clear to you,
  no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
  
  Therefore be at peace with God,
  whatever you conceive Him to be,
  and whatever your labors and aspirations,
  in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
  
  With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
  it is still a beautiful world.
  Be cheerful.
  Strive to be happy.
  
  Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.