The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
Lily TomlinRead
I've always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of clarity in our aspirations. It suggests that rather than just wanting to be 'somebody', we should define what being 'somebody' truly means to us.
Lily Tomlin's quote reflects on the common desire to achieve recognition or success, but it warns that without a clear vision of what that entails, one may end up in a direction that does not align with their true desires. It highlights the need for specificity in our goals and dreams, encouraging individuals to think deeply about their identity and ambitions rather than simply adhering to societal expectations.
In practice
During a motivational speech about defining personal goals.
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.
The road to success is always under construction.
Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.
Truth is, I've always been selling out. The difference is that in the past, I looked like I had integrity because there were no buyers.
Why is it that when we talk to God we're said to be praying but when God talks to us we're schizophrenic?
Holy the supernatural extra brilliant intelligent kindness of the soul!
Once I start work on a project, I don’t stop and I don’t slow down unless I absolutely have to. If I don’t write every day, the characters begin to stale off in my mind – they begin to seem like characters instead of real people. The tale’s narrative cutting edge starts to rust and I begin to lose my hold on the story’s plot and pace. Worst of all, the excitement of spinning something new begins to fade. The work starts to feel like work, and for most writers that is the smooch of death.
You don't have to be a creative maverick to have a troubled mind. You just have to be human. There is no 'us' and 'them.' No one is one hundred per cent healthy, physically or mentally.
What is indispensable to inspiration? ...sound sleep and the provocation of a good book or a companion.
The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession.
When we safeguard (the heavenly virtue of freedom), when we honor it, when we protect it, we will walk with Washington, we will pray with patriots, and we shall have peace on earth, good will to men.
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