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If you take pride in your attainment or become discouraged because of your idealistic effort, your practice will confine you by a thick wall.
Shunryu Suzuki
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Pride and discouragement can hinder your personal growth and practice.

This quote by Shunryu Suzuki emphasizes that feelings of pride in one’s success or discouragement from unmet ideals can create barriers to true growth and practice. It suggests that clinging to these emotions may lead to stagnation, confining one's potential within self-imposed limits.

Themes

PrideDiscouragementGrowthPracticePotential

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to encourage students to embrace their journey, regardless of setbacks.

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