It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
Cynics are - beneath it all - only idealists with awkwardly high standards.
Interpretation
Cynics often have high expectations that lead to their disillusionment with the world.
This quote suggests that cynicism is a covering for deeper idealism. Cynics may outwardly criticize and dismiss the world around them, but their negative outlook often stems from unfulfilled aspirations and a longing for higher ideals that they believe society fails to meet.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming negativity and striving for ideals.
It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Taking architecture seriously therefore makes some singular and strenuous demands upon us...It means conceding that we are inconveniently vulnerable to the colour of our wallpaper and that our sense of purpose may be derailed by an unfortunate bedspread
The more closely we analyze what we consider 'sexy,' the more clearly we will understand that eroticism is the feeling of excitement we experience at finding another human being who shares our values and our sense of the meaning of existence.
Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
The challenge of modern relationships: how to prove more interesting than the other's smartphone.
It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
Democracy means government by the uneducated, while aristocracy means government by the badly educated.
What difference does it make, after all, what your position in life is if you dislike it yourself?
When pain is unbearable it destroys us; when it does not it is bearable.
It does not follow that the meaning must be given from above; that life and suffering must come neatly labeled; that nothing is worth while if the world is not governed by a purpose.
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.
My religion is truth, love and service to God and humanity. Every religion that has come into the world has brought the message of love and brotherhood. Those who are indifferent to the welfare of their fellowmen, whose hearts are empty of love, they do not know the meaning of religion.
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