Those who tread among serpents, and along a tortuous path, must use the cunning of the serpent.
Interpretation
One must be shrewd and clever when navigating difficult or dangerous situations.
This quote by Thomas Becket emphasizes the necessity of being astute and strategic when confronted with challenging or perilous circumstances. Just as a serpent must be cunning to survive among its own kind, individuals must adapt their behavior and thinking to effectively deal with the complexities and dangers of life.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges.
It is important that the Church of London, which has now lost its ruler, should receive for its new bishop a man whose personal merit, attainments in learning, and prudence in managing public business shall not be unworthy of the dignity of that see.
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
The more I loved the king, the more I opposed his injustice until his brow fell lowering upon me. He heaped calumny after calumny on my head, and I chose to be driven out rather than to subscribe.
Could I anticipate the enmity of those for whom I encountered such opposition? If they had been willing, I should have gained the victory. But the head faints when it is abandoned by the other members. If they had been wise they would have seen that in attacking me they were attacking their own privileges and serving princes to their own servitude.
Whosoever wisely examines the works of God will speedily discover what is next to be done.
The rashness of the persecutor hath overspread the rights of the persecuted so that punishment is awarded to him that has gained the victory, the inglorious triumphs, and the man who deserved bonds has carried off the prize.
For the one and only time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain.
You have a unique body and mind, with a particular history and conditioning. No one can offer you a formula for navigating all situations and all states of mind. Only by listening inwardly in a fresh and open way will you discern at any given time what most serves your healing and freedom.
Every advantage in the past is judged in the light of the final issue.
Much reading has brought upon us a learned barbarism.
To learn to concentrate we must choose a prayer or meditation and follow this path with commitment and steadiness, a willingness to work with our practice day after day, no matter what arises.
Each of us has an inner room where we can visit to be cleansed of fear-based thoughts and feelings. This room, the holy of holies, is a sanctuary of light.
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