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
Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Engage with great art and literature daily to elevate your mind and spirit.
Thornton Wilder emphasizes the importance of exposing oneself to quality literature, art, and experiences as a means to enrich one's mind and elevate one's aspirations. By committing to daily engagement with the great works of human creativity, individuals can cultivate a sense of purpose and ambition that leads to personal growth and fulfillment.
Themes
EducationArtDaily InspirationGrowthLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal development, one might say, 'As Thornton Wilder wisely put it, 'Seek the lofty by reading, hearing and seeing great work at some moment every day.'
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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One of the issues I kept saying to my students is you have to learn to interrupt. When you raise your hand at a meeting, by the time they get to you, the point is not germane. So the bottom line is active listening. If you are going to interrupt, you look for opportunities. You have to know what you're talking about.
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