Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
Robert E. LeeRead
It's the loneliest feeling in the world-to find yourself standing up when everybody else is sitting down. To have everybody look at you and say, 'What's the matter with him?' I know. I know what it feels like. Walking down an empty street, listening to the sound of your own footsteps. Shutters closed, blinds drawn, doors locked against you. And you aren't sure whether you're walking toward something, or if you're just walking away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the isolation experienced when one stands apart from the crowd, questioning their own direction in life.
Robert E. Lee's quote reflects the profound loneliness that can accompany individual choices or beliefs, particularly when they contrast with societal norms. It captures the essence of feeling misunderstood and isolated, as well as the uncertainty that often follows such a divergence from the collective. The imagery of walking alone emphasizes both the external silence of the world and the internal struggle of self-awareness, hinting at a quest for purpose amidst feelings of alienation.
Themes
LonelinessIsolationIndividualityPurposeSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech about embracing individuality.
More from Robert E. Lee
All quotes →Life Insurance trusts I consider sacred. To hazard the property of the dead & to lose the scanty earnings of fathers & husbands, who have toiled & saved that they may leave something to their families deprived of their care & the support of their labour, is to my mind the worst of crimes.
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It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.
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So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained.
Robert E. LeeRead
Our country demands all our strength, all our energies. To resist the powerful combination now forming against us will require every man at his place. If victorious, we will have everything to hope for in the future. If defeated, nothing will be left for us to live for.
Robert E. LeeRead
With all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relative, my children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army.
Robert E. LeeRead
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