How carefully would I atone, if I might, for the time I have lost!
Interpretation
This quote expresses a deep regret about wasted time and the desire to make amends for it.
Thomas Becket reflects on the value of time and expresses a yearning to make up for lost opportunities. The quote emphasizes the significance of being mindful of how we spend our time and the impact of our choices on personal growth and fulfillment.
In practice
Using this quote in a motivational speech about making the most of our time.
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.
What I really hated, of course, was my mind. There must have been an off switch somewhere, but I was damned if I could find it.
It's awfully important to win with humility. It's also important to lose. I hate to lose worse than anyone, but if you never lose you won't know how to act. If you lose with humility, then you can come back.
Every one should consider himself as intrusted not only with his own conduct, but with that of others; and as accountable, not only for the duties which he neglects, or the crimes that he commits, but for that negligence and irregularity which he may encourage or inculcate. Every man, in whatever station, has, or endeavours to have his followers, admirers, and imitators, and has therefore the influence of his example to watch with care.
But then anyone who's worth anything reads just what he likes, as the mood takes him, and with extravagant enthusiasm.
Appear to know only this--never to fail nor fall.
...grief can derange even the strongest and most disciplined of minds.
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