You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
We have hands; we can stand on them if we want to. That's our privilege. That's the joy of a mortal body. And that's why God needs us. Because God loves to feel things through our hands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the unique ability of humans to experience the world through their physical body and actions.
Elizabeth Gilbert's quote reflects on the profound connection between humanity and the divine, suggesting that our physical existence and ability to act gives us a distinct purpose. By using our hands, we not only create and shape our environment but also allow a deeper experience of love and life, making our bodies a vessel for divine expression.
Themes
HandsPrivilegeJoyMortal BodyExperienceDivine
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to inspire creativity in the workplace.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
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I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
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When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
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And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
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