The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
you have to love life to have life, and you need to have life to love life
Interpretation
What this quote means
To truly experience and appreciate life, one must embrace it with love and passion.
This quote by Thornton Wilder emphasizes the intrinsic connection between love and life. Loving life is not merely an emotion; it is a necessary stance that enriches our experiences and interactions. When we nurture a deep affection for life, we become more present and engaged, leading to a fuller and more meaningful existence. Conversely, by living fully, we are also inclined to cultivate that love further, creating a virtuous cycle where appreciation and existence intertwine.
Themes
LoveLifeAppreciationExistenceExperience
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about finding joy in everyday moments.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Thornton WilderRead
Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
Thornton WilderRead
When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Thornton WilderRead
Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
Thornton WilderRead
I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well.
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That's the first thing you learn when you busk in the New York City subways: you immediately join the ranks of the marginalized, the unhinged prophets, the Christian shouters, the Hare Krishnas, the Jehovah's witnesses, the father-and-daughter kitaro team, the violinists playing for their sickly wives.
Tom JunodRead