Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.
HeraclitusRead
Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True self-expression is found in the purity and joy of play, reminiscent of a child's seriousness.
This quote by Heraclitus suggests that individuals reach their most authentic state when they embrace the deep focus and joy found in play. It implies that the innocence and seriousness with which a child approaches play can teach adults about genuine engagement and the essence of their true selves, often overshadowed by the complexities of adult life.
Themes
PlaySeriousnessAuthenticityChildhoodJoy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about finding joy in life during challenging times.
More from Heraclitus
All quotes βThinking is a sacred disease and sight is deceptive.
HeraclitusRead
Things of which there is sight, hearing, apprehension, these I prefer.
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Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.
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For when is death not within our selves? And as Heracleitus says: βLiving and dead are the same, and so are awake and asleep, young and old. The former when shifted are the latter, and again the latter when shifted are the former."
HeraclitusRead
Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details. Knowledge is not intelligence. In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected. Change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
HeraclitusRead
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