From my birth I have aspired like the eagle - but unlike the eagle, my wings have failed. . . . Congratulate me then that I have found a fitting scope for my powers.
Interpretation
The quote reflects an aspiration for greatness despite facing limitations.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's quote expresses a yearning for high aspirations akin to an eagle's flight, yet acknowledges the reality of personal limitations that can hinder such ambitions. Despite the failure of her aspirational 'wings', she finds contentment in discovering a suitable realm where her abilities can be realized, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's strengths and the potential for fulfillment within them.
In practice
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to inspire students to embrace their unique paths.
Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of a void, but out of chaos; the materials must in the first place be afforded; it can give form to dark, shapeless substances, but cannot bring into being the substance itself.
The instructor can scarcely give sensibility where it is essentially wanting, nor talent to the unpercipient block. But he can cultivate and direct the affections of the pupil, who puts forth, as a parasite, tendrils by which to cling, not knowing to what - to a supporter or a destroyer.
What terrified me will terrify others; and I need only describe the spectre which had haunted my midnight pillow.
I shall commit my thoughts to paper, it is true; but that is a poor medium for the communication of feeling. I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me, whose eyes would reply to mine.
Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live. Our circle will be small, but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.
Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemlance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.' - Frankenstein
Long live the rose that grew from the concrete when no one else ever cared!
The great and invigorating influences in American life have been the unorthodox: the people who challenge an existing institution or way of life, or say and do things that make people think.
I was sold on flying as soon as I had a taste for it.
At that time, we were in charge. We didn't ask. We just did. We just did what was in our heart.
Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of Christ risen.
I am inspired beyond my ability to articulate... and now I know what and who I want to be... a soldier for peace.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.