I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife.
James Russell LowellRead
No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him. There is always work, and tools to work with, for those who will, and blessed are the horny hands of toil. The busy world shoves angrily aside the man who stands with arms akimbo until occasion tells him what to do; and he who waits to have his task marked out shall die and leave his errand unfulfilled.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Everyone has a purpose and talents they are born with, but success requires taking initiative and action.
This quote emphasizes the idea that every individual has a unique purpose and set of skills they are inherently equipped with from birth. However, it also highlights the necessity of proactive engagement in work and life; merely waiting for direction or opportunities will lead to unfulfilled potential. The quote encourages individuals to take ownership of their tasks and contributions rather than standing idle, as true fulfillment comes from active participation and effort.
Themes
PurposeInitiativeWorkActionSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to encourage young students to pursue their passions.
More from James Russell Lowell
All quotes →The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.
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Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
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Good luck is the willing handmaid of upright, energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.
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Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.
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Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.
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Why was I chosen?' 'Such questions cannot be answered,' said Gandalf. 'You may be sure that it was not for any merit that others do not possess. But you have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.
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You entertain people who are satisfied. Hungry people can't be entertained - or people who are afraid. You can't entertain a man who has no food.
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