As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.
Henry Van DykeRead
Let me but find it in my heart to say, When vagrant wishes beckon me astray, "This is my work; my blessing, not my doom; Of all who live, I am the one by whom This work can best be done in the right way."
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's unique purpose and value in contributing positively to the world.
In this quote, Henry Van Dyke expresses a profound understanding of personal responsibility and the significance of one's work. He reflects on the distractions that may divert one's focus but ultimately asserts that true fulfillment comes from embracing one's unique calling and realizing that each individual is entrusted with the task of executing their life's work to the best of their ability. It serves as a reminder that one's contributions are not merely duties but blessings that can lead to meaningful outcomes.
Themes
PurposeWorkResponsibilityContributionBlessingCalling
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about finding one's purpose in life.
More from Henry Van Dyke
All quotes →It is with rivers as it is with people: the greatest are not always the most agreeable nor the best to live with.
Henry Van DykeRead
And you will remember that love is not getting, but giving; not a wild dream of pleasure, and a madness of desire — oh no, love is not that — it is goodness, and honour, and peace, and pure living — yes, love is that; and it is the best thing in the world, and the thing that lives longest.
Henry Van DykeRead
Oh, London is a man's town, there's power in the air; And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair; And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome; But when it comes to living, there is no place like home.
Henry Van DykeRead
No amount of energy will take the place of thought. A strenuous life with its eyes shut is a kind of wild insanity.
Henry Van DykeRead
A peace that depends on fear is nothing but a suppressed war.
Henry Van DykeRead
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