Faith consists in being vitally concerned with that ultimate reality to which I give the symbolical name of God. Whoever reflects earnestly on the meaning of life is on the verge of an act of faith.
Paul TillichRead
The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, in spite of being unacceptable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Courage involves accepting oneself fully, even with flaws and imperfections.
This quote by Paul Tillich emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance as a fundamental aspect of courage. It suggests that true bravery lies not just in facing external challenges but also in embracing one's own identity and shortcomings, even when society may deem those aspects unacceptable. Consequently, this acceptance paves the way for personal growth and authenticity.
Themes
CourageSelf-AcceptanceIdentityAuthenticityFlaws
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about embracing individual flaws, this quote can be shared to remind the audience of the power of self-acceptance.
More from Paul Tillich
All quotes βCruelty towards others is always also cruelty towards ourselves.
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He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being.
Paul TillichRead
The citizens of a city are not guilty of the crimes committed in their city; but they are guilty as participants in the destiny of [humanity] as a whole and in the destiny of their city in particular; for their acts in which freedom was united with destiny have contributed to the destiny in which they participate. They are guilty, not of committing the crimes of which their group is accused, but of contributing to the destiny in which these crimes happened.
Paul TillichRead
Wine is like the incarnation--it is both divine and human
Paul TillichRead
Man is able to decide for or against reason, he is able to create beyond reason or to destroy below reason
Paul TillichRead
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Some people are so worn down by the yoke of oppression that they give up.
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The people know their rights, and they are never slow to assert and maintain them when they are invaded.
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