Life with most teenagers was like having a low-grade bladder infection. It hurts, but you had to tough it out.
Anne LamottRead
It's funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools - friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty - and said 'do the best you can with these, they will have to do'. And mostly, against all odds, they do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the transition from childhood fantasies of adulthood to the reality of using imperfect, yet essential, skills and values to navigate life.
In this quote, Anne Lamott captures the disillusionment that often accompanies growing up, contrasting the idealized version of adulthood with the reality that life offers us flawed but valuable tools for coping and thriving. Instead of perfect skills or clear answers, we rely on genuine qualities like friendship and honesty, which may not be glamorous but are effective in overcoming life's challenges. Ultimately, the message conveys that, despite the imperfections and difficulties we face, we often manage to make things work with what we have.
Themes
LifeToolsWisdomFriendshipRealityGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to emphasize resilience in adulthood.
More from Anne Lamott
All quotes →Or you might shout at the top of your lungs or whisper into your sleeve, "I hate you, God." That is a prayer too, because it is real, it is truth, and maybe it is the first sincere thought you've had in months.
Anne LamottRead
Your problem is how you are going to spend this one odd and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over people and circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.
Anne LamottRead
It is hard to remember that you are a cherished spiritual being when you're burping up apple fritters and Cheetos.
Anne LamottRead
Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, "Well, that's pretty much what I thought I'd see," you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. [...] Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.
Anne LamottRead
...because when people have seen you at their worst, you don't have to put on the mask as much.
Anne LamottRead
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