Life is like a library owned by the author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him.
Interpretation
Life is a collection of experiences, some authored by ourselves and many shaped by others.
This quote suggests that life can be compared to a library, where we have the opportunity to write our own stories, represented by the books we've authored. However, much of our life's narrative is influenced by external factorsβevents, experiences, and relationships that are written for us, highlighting the balance between self-agency and the impact of our environment and other people on our lives.
In practice
Using this quote in a graduation speech to highlight the importance of personal experiences.
Nothing else matters much...not wealth, nor learning, nor even health...without this gift: the spiritual capacity to keep zest in living. This is the creed of creeds, the final deposit and distillation of all important faiths: that you should be able to believe in life.
No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it, by vigorously willing to have it ... Peace is a consciousness of springs too deep for earthly droughts to dry up. Peace is the gift not of volitional struggle but of spiritual hospitality.
I renounce war for its consequences, for the lies it lives on and propagates, for the undying hatred it arouses, for the dictatorships it puts in place of democracy, for the starvation that stalks after it. I renounce war, and never again, directly or indirectly, will I sanction or support another.
He who cannot rest, cannot work; he who cannot let go, cannot hold on; he who cannot find footing, cannot go forward.
No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.
Nothing in this world is more inspiring than a soul up against crippling circumstances who carries it off with courage and faith and undefeated character-nothing! See Light From Many Lamps, edited by L. E. Watson, article by H. E. Fosdick, pp. 93-94 re: a serious cripple who succeeded.
This year, I will be more thoughtful of my fellow man; exert more effort in each of my endeavors professionally as well as personally; take love wherever I find it, and offer it to everyone who will take it.
Things have dropped from me. I have outlived certain desires; I have lost friends, some by death... others through sheer inability to cross the street.
Cancer has made me mentally and spiritually stronger. But as my life starts to go back to normal, I find that some of my old, bad habits are still lurking in the shadows.
On his bold visage middle age Had slightly press'd its signet sage, Yet had not quench'd the open truth And fiery vehemence of youth: Forward and frolic glee was there, The will to do, the soul to dare.
If ever my life can be of any use to you, come and claim it.
You are 27 or 28 right? It is very tough to live at that age. When nothing is sure. I have sympathy with you.
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