It is easy enough to praise men for the courage of their convictions. I wish I could teach the sad young of this mealy generation the courage of their confusions.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the value of embracing and understanding one's uncertainties rather than only celebrating clear convictions.
In this quote, John Ciardi reflects on the complexities of human beliefs and the importance of recognizing and accepting confusion as a part of personal growth. He expresses a desire to teach younger generations to have the courage to navigate their uncertainties, as opposed to merely applauding the confidence of those who hold strong, unwavering beliefs. This highlights a more nuanced understanding of courage that encompasses facing and questioning one's doubts.
In practice
During a motivational speech for graduates, this quote could be used to encourage them to embrace their uncertainties as they step into adulthood.
If a man means his writing seriously, he must mean to write well. But how can he write well until he learns to see what he has written badly. His progress toward good writing and his recognition of bad writing are bound to unfold at something like the same rate.
The Kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing, who would ever have been spared?
It is at a fair that man can be drunk forever on liquor, love, or fights; at a fair that your front pocket can be picked by a trotting horse looking for sugar, and your hind pocket by a thief looking for his fortune.
The future of religion is connected with the possibility of developing a faith in the possibilities of human experience and human relationships that will create a vital sense of the solidarity of human interests and inspire action to make that sense a reality.
People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.
I think when money starts to corrupt journalism, it undermines the journalism, and it undermines the credibility of the product, and you end up not succeeding.
Corporate responsibility extends not only to the customers, the resources and the workers of the present, but also to those of the future.
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