This was my only and my constant comfort. When I think of it, the picture always rises in my mind, of a summer evening, the boys at play in the churchyard, and I sitting on my bed, reading as if for life.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the joy of childhood and the solace found in reading.
In this quote, Charles Dickens reminisces about a comforting memory from his childhood, where he found joy and solace in reading while observing the carefree play of boys outside. It highlights the importance of moments of peace and the escape that literature can provide, as well as how memories can shape our sense of comfort and happiness over time.
In practice
During a motivational speech about the importance of childhood memories.
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
Blaming is a way to protect your heart, trying to protect what is soft and open and tender in yourself.
Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy.
For me, it's been liberating to put myself in the mind of a fictitious six year-old each day, and rediscover my own curiosity. I've been amazed at how one idea leads to others if I allow my mind to play and wander.
Without cunning, there is no innovation. Without ambition, there is no accomplishment.
In all this world there is no substitute for personal integrity. It includes honor. It includes performance. It includes keeping one's word. It includes doing what is right regardless of the circumstances
The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.