Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Valuing personal preferences over societal norms is essential for preserving one's true self.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal choice, suggesting that to truly understand and embrace one's preferences and desires, rather than passively acquiescing to societal expectations, is vital for maintaining one's individuality and spirit. It underscores the idea that true fulfillment comes from being in touch with one's own values and beliefs.
Themes
Self-AwarenessIndividualityPreferencesIdentitySoul
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth.
More from Robert Louis Stevenson
All quotes βLike a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
It is the history of our kindnesses that alone make this world tolerable. If it were not for that, for the effect of kind words, kind looks, kind letters . . . I should be inclined to think our life a practical jest in the worst possible spirit.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
Similar quotes
When you see someone who is not as religious, remember that you were once on the edge of the fire, and it was Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala's favor upon you to guide you. Arrogance will wipe away any goodness from the transformation.
Nouman Ali KhanRead
The more acute the experience, the less articulate its expression.
Harold PinterRead
If I could only give three words of advice, they would be, 'Tell the truth.' If I got three more words, I'd add: 'All the time.'
Randy PauschRead
All I can say is I did the best I could, and I didn't do well enough on many occasions.
John Paul StevensRead
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.'
Saint Francis De SalesRead
Why does Samuel Butler say, 'Wise men never say what they think of women'? Wise men never say anything else apparently.
Virginia WoolfRead