It does seem to me, that herein we see the rare virtue of a strong individual vitality, and the rare virtue of thick walls, and the rare virtue of interior spaciousness. Oh, man! admire and model thyself after the whale! Do thou, too, remain warm among ice. Do thou, too, live in this world without being of it. Be cool at the equator; keep thy blood fluid at the Pole. Like the great dome of St. Peter's, and like the great whale, retain, O man! in all seasons a temperature of thine own.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's individuality and unique essence amidst external challenges and pressures.
Herman Melville’s quote encourages individuals to find strength in their own vitality and to maintain a sense of self regardless of external circumstances. By comparing humans to whales, he suggests that true resilience lies in preserving one's internal environment and personal temperature, allowing one to navigate through life's challenges while remaining unaffected by them. The imagery of being 'warm among ice' and 'cool at the equator' conveys the idea of balancing one’s emotions and ideals in varying conditions, ultimately advocating for personal integrity and stability.
In practice
During a motivational speech about overcoming adversity, this quote can illustrate the importance of maintaining one's identity.
A good laugh is a mighty good thing, and rather too scarce a good thing; the more's the pity. So, if any one man, in his own proper person, afford stuff for a good joke to anybody, let him not be backward, but let him cheerfully allow himself to spend and be spent in that way. And the man that has anything bountifully laughable about him, be sure there is more in that man than you perhaps think for.
The Marquesan girls dance all over; not only do their feet dance, but their arms, hands, fingers, ay, their very eyes seem to dance in their heads.
Dream tonight of peacock tails, Diamond fields and spouter whales. Ills are many, blessing few, But dreams tonight will shelter you.
Why did the old Persians hold the sea holy? Why did the Greeks give it a separate deity, and own brother Jove? Surely all this is not without meaning. And still deeper the meaning of that story of Narcissus, who because he could not grasp the tormenting mild image he saw in the fountain, plunged into it and was drowned. But that same image, we ourselves see in all rivers and oceans. It is the image of the ungraspable phantom of life; and this is the key to it all.
If some books are deemed most baneful and their sale forbid, how then with deadlier facts, not dreams of doting men? Those whom books will hurt will not be proof against events. Events, not books should be forbid.
You cannot spill a drop of American blood without spilling the blood of the whole world.... We are not a nation, so much as a world.
Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of mankind
Justice is nothing more than the advantage of the stronger.
Discipleship is not an offer that man makes to Christ.
For, as I think I have said, I can only meditate when I am walking. When I stop I cease to think; my mind only works with my legs.
Suddenly summoned to witness something great and horrendous, we keep fighting not to reduce it to our own smallness.
Life is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.
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