I think that's one of the maybe under-discussed aspects of process - the difference between a good writing day and a bad one is the quality of the split-second decisions you made.
George SaundersRead
That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality - your soul, if you will - is as bright and shining as any that has ever been. Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Theresa’s. Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place. Believe it exists, come to know it better, nurture it, share its fruits tirelessly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing our inner essence, or soul, beyond our external identities.
George Saunders highlights the profound and radiant aspect of our being that lies beyond the superficial constructs of personality. He encourages us to connect with and nurture this inner luminosity, suggesting that it is as brilliant as that of renowned figures such as Shakespeare, Gandhi, and Mother Teresa. By emphasizing the need to clear obstacles that separate us from this essence, he invites us to believe in its existence and share its beauty with the world.
Themes
SoulLuminosityNurtureSelfIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used as an introduction to a meditation session focused on self-discovery.
More from George Saunders
All quotes →I still believe that capitalism is too harsh and I believe that, even within that, there is a lot of satisfaction and beauty if you happen to be one of the lucky ones, although that doesn't eradicate the reality of the suffering. It's all true at once, kind of humming and sublime.
George SaundersRead
Down in the city are the nice houses and the so-so houses and the lovers making out in dark yards and the babies crying for their moms, and I wonder if, other than Jesus, has this ever happened before. Maybe it happens all the time. Maybe there's angry dead all over, hiding in rooms, covered with blankets, bossing around their scared, embarrassed relatives. Because how would we know?
George SaundersRead
What a powerful thing to know: That one's own desires are mappable onto strangers; that what one finds in oneself will most certainly be found in The Other.
George SaundersRead
When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you. What I want is to have the reader come out just 6 percent more awake to the world.
George SaundersRead
I don't think much new ever happens. Most of us spend our days the same way people spent their days in the year 1000: walking around smiling, trying to earn enough to eat, while neurotically doing these little self-proofs in our head about how much better we are than these other slobs, while simultaneously, in another part of our brain, secretly feeling woefully inadequate to these smarter, more beautiful people.
George SaundersRead
Similar quotes
It is Chastity, my brother. She that has that is clad in complete steel.
John MiltonRead
Caesar was a man of great common sense and good taste, meaning thereby a man without originality or moral courage.
George Bernard ShawRead
Our suffering is not worthy the name of suffering. When I consider my crosses, tribulations, and temptations, I shame myself almost to death, thinking what are they in _x000D_ comparison of the sufferings of my blessed Savior Christ Jesus.
Martin LutherRead
We learned many years ago that the rich may have money, but the poor have time.
Cesar ChavezRead
I got at a very early age, the idea that the safest way to try and get what you want, is to try and deserve what you want._x000D_ It’s such a simple idea, it’s the golden rule so to speak. You want to deliver to the world what you would buy if you were on the other end.
Charlie MungerRead
For even the very wise cannot see all ends.
J. R. R. TolkienRead