It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.
There are no little events in life, those we think of no consequence may be full of fate, and it is at our own risk if we neglect the acquaintances and opportunities that seem to be casually offered, and of small importance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Every event in life carries significance, and neglecting seemingly unimportant opportunities can lead to missed fate.
Amelia Barr emphasizes that no event in our lives is truly trivial; rather, the actions we consider minor could hold profound significance or potential. By dismissing these opportunities or acquaintances as unimportant, we risk overlooking pivotal moments that could alter our life's path. This perspective invites us to approach all aspects of our experiences with attention and openness, recognizing that the seemingly small can lead to great change or connection.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech about recognizing potential in everyday interactions.
More from Amelia Barr
All quotes →This world is run with far too tight a rein for luck to interfere. Fortune sells her wares; she never gives them. In some form or other, we pay for her favors; or we go empty away.
Perhaps when the light of heaven shows us clearly the pitfalls and dangers of the earth road that led to the heavenly city, our sweetest songs of gratitude will be not for the troubles we have conquered, but for those we have escaped.
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Like all people, we perceive the version of reality that our culture communicates. Like others having or living in more than one culture, we get multiple, often opposing messages. The coming together of two self-consistent but habitually incomparable frames of reference causes un choque, a cultural collision.
How can it be "mutually beneficial" to sell at world market prices the raw materials that cost the underdeveloped countries immeasurable sweat and suffering.
A sign of a culture that has lost its faith - Moral collapse follows upon spiritual collapse.
Naturally, since [the Sumerians] didn't know what caused the flood anymore than we do, they blamed the gods. (That's the advantage of religion. You're never short an explanation for anything.)