We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
Abigail AdamsRead
I begin to think, that a calm is not desirable in any situation in life. Man was made for action and for bustle too, I believe.
Interpretation
A calm state may not always be beneficial, as human beings thrive in action and activity.
In this quote, Abigail Adams suggests that tranquility or calmness may not be the ideal state for individuals. Instead, she argues that humans are inherently designed for action, implying that engagement and activity contribute to fulfillment and purpose in life. This perspective encourages embracing a dynamic life filled with challenges and interactions.
In practice
In a motivational speech about embracing challenges, one might use this quote to inspire listeners to pursue active lives.
We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.
Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.
If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?
The habits of a vigorous mind are born in contending with difficulties.
Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so; but she smarted so severely for hers, that most of her daughters have been afraid of it since.
It is reckless to make broad generalizations about any group of people.
Since nature does not endow all men with equal beauty or equal intelligence, and the faculty of volition leads men to make different choices, the egalitarians propose to abolish the "unfairness" of nature and of volition, and to establish universal equality in fact - in defiance of facts. It is not equality before the law that they seek, but inequality: the establishment of an inverted social pyramid, with a new aristocracy on top - the aristocracy of non-value.
This American government - what is it but a tradition, though a recent one, endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired to posterity, but each instant losing some of its integrity? It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will.
Evil is not to be traced back to the individual but to the collective behavior of humanity.
The cross reveals that we're called to a deeper, fuller experience of what it means to be alive and open to new dimensions of life which our religious boundaries - creeds, atonement theologies - have kept us from experiencing.
I am able to follow my own death step by step. Now I move softly towards the end.
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