Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
What distinguishes the majority of men from the few is their ability to act according to their beliefs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of acting on one's beliefs, which sets apart those who succeed from those who do not.
Henry Miller's quote highlights a fundamental truth about human behavior: the capacity to translate one's beliefs into actions is what distinguishes successful individuals from the majority. While many people may hold strong beliefs, it is the few who have the courage and determination to act on those beliefs that truly make a significant impact or achieve noteworthy success. This statement encourages individuals to reflect on their own convictions and urges them to embody their beliefs through decisive actions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker inspiring students at a graduation ceremony about the importance of following their beliefs.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes βI saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Similar quotes
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My idea of a delicious time is to read a book that is wonderful. But the ruling passion of my life is being a seeker after truth and the divine.
The result of this bestial lust is an indiscriminate and promiscuous splaying of all of my energies- wanting all, I accomplish nothing; desiring everything, I satisfy nothing and am satisfied by nothing.
The best way to defend the bombers is to catch the enemy before it his in position to attack. Catch them when they are taking off, or when they are climbing, or when they are forming up. Don't think you can defend the bomber by circling around him. It's good for the bombers morale, and bad for tactics.
Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.
Never, never rest contented with any circle of ideas, but always be certain that a wider one is still possible.