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.
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I think writing about unhappiness is probably the source of my popularity, if I have any - after all, most people are unhappy, don't you think?
I DON'T CARE!" Harry yelled at them, snatching up a lunascope and throwing it into the fireplace. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH, I'VE SEEN ENOUGH, I WANT OUT, I WANT IT TO END, I DON'T CARE ANYMORE!" "You do care," said Dumbledore. He had not flinched or made a single move to stop Harry demolishing his office. His expression was calm, almost detached. "You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.
Borrowing knowledge of reality from all sources, taking the best from every study, Science of Mind brings together the highest enlightenment of the ages.
You have created your fears. And you can choose to lay them to rest. You have created your dreams. And you can choose to bring them fully to life.
I cured myself of shyness when it finally occurred to me that people didn't think about me half as much as I gave them credit for. The truth was, nobody gave a damn. Like most teenagers, I was far too self-centered. When I stopped being prisoner to what I worried was othersβ opinions of me, I became more confident and free.
He who never puts his trust in any man will never be deceived.