Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.
Jules RenardRead
When the defects of others are perceived with so much clarity, it is because one possesses them oneself.
Interpretation
Recognizing flaws in others often reveals our own imperfections.
This quote suggests that our ability to see the shortcomings in others with clarity may stem from our own shared experiences or flaws. When we judge others critically, it often reflects our inner struggles, indicating that we may wrestle with the same issues we observe in them, thereby urging us to engage in self-reflection before pointing fingers.
In practice
In a discussion about personal growth, this quote can illustrate the importance of self-awareness.
Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted.
If one were to build the house of happiness, the largest space would be the waiting room.
When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness.
It doesn't pay to say too much when you are mad enough to choke. For the word that stings the deepest is the word that is never spoke, Let the other fellow wrangle till the storm has blown away, then he'll do a heap of thinking about the things you didn't say.
Literature is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to people who have none
I have no religion,β says Borneau, βbut I respect the religion of others. Religion is sacred.β Why this privilege, this immunity?... A believer creates God in his own image; if he is ugly, his God will be morally ugly. Why should moral ugliness be respectable?
May we never risk the life of our souls by being resentful or by bearing grudges.
If you've been playing poker for half an hour and you still don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy.
Pride is that which claims to be the author of what is really a gift.
Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.
In short, Clevinger was one of those people with lots of intelligence and no brains, and everyone knew it except those who soon found it out.
We learn, grow and become compassionate and generous as much through exile as homecoming, as much through loss as gain, as much through giving things away as in receiving what we believe to be our due.
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