Go Placidly, Amid the noise and Haste & Remember what peace there may be in silence.
Interpretation
Amidst life's chaos and rush, seek peace in silence.
This quote suggests that in the midst of life's chaos and the relentless pace of modern living, one should strive to remain calm and find solace in moments of quiet reflection. It emphasizes the importance of inner peace and the ability to maintain a sense of tranquility, regardless of external circumstances.
In practice
During a meditation retreat, I shared this quote to encourage participants to embrace silence.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. _x000D_ _x000D_ Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, _x000D_ in the noisy confusion of life, _x000D_ keep peace in your soul. _x000D_ With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit. Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as will keep me friendly with myself.
Wishing you happiness always! Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. . . . . Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Do everything with a mind that lets go. Do not expect praise or reward.
Once, in a spasm of sappiness, you asked Q-Jo if she thought your dreams would ever come true. 'You aren't talking about dreams,' she corrected you, 'you're referring to your pathetic bourgeoisie ambitions. Dreams don't come true. Dreams are true.
Wisdom stands at the turn in the road and calls upon us publicly, but we consider it false and despise its adherents.
Never assume that simply having a gun makes you a marksman. You are no more armed because you are wearing a pistol than you are a musician because you own a guitar.
You'll never know everything about anything, especially something you love.
It's good to learn from your mistakes. It's better to learn from other people's mistakes.
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