The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
A door that seems to stand open must be of a man's size, or it is not the door that providence means for him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Opportunities are tailored to individuals, and what seems available may not truly be meant for everyone.
Henry Ward Beecher's quote suggests that opportunities in life are often specifically designed for certain individuals based on their unique qualities and circumstances. The metaphor of a door emphasizes that not every opening or opportunity is right for everyone, and if something does not fit us, it may not be the right path for us, as determined by a greater power or providence.
Themes
OpportunityProvidenceIndividualityPathLife Choices
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech, to emphasize the importance of pursuing the right career path.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes βA man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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