Each man has his own vocation. The talent is the call. There is one direction in which all space is open to him. He has faculties silently inviting him thither to endless exertion. He is like a ship in the river; he runs against obstructions on every side but one; on that side all obstruction is taken away, and he sweeps serenely over a deepening channel into an infinite sea.
Interpretation
Everyone has a unique purpose and talent that guides them towards their true path in life.
In this quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and following one's unique vocation or calling. He suggests that every person has inherent talents that, when discovered and pursued, lead to a fulfilling life where obstacles are minimized in the pursuit of one’s passion, much like a ship navigating towards an unobstructed channel leading into the vast ocean of possibilities.
In practice
In a motivational speech aimed at graduates, this quote can inspire them to pursue their individual paths.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
As my father taught me, and he drove home that point, he said, 'Just remember something. You don't need to tell anybody how good you are. You show them how good you are.' And he drove that home with me. So I learned early not to brag about how good I was or what I could do but let my game take that away and show them that I could play well enough.
Our ignorance allowed us to live, as you are in the mountains, and your rope is frayed and about to break, but you don't know it and feel safe.
Life whispers to you all the time...from the time you wake up in the morning and with every single experience.
There is no doubt in my mind, that I have found out how to begin (at 40) to say something in my own voice.
All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination.
It's amazing how easily people are led to fury and chaos. Unhappy people with guns are not going to make this country great.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.