To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization.
Harriet Beecher StoweRead
I make no manner of doubt that you threw a very diamond of truth at me, though you see it hit me so directly in the face that it wasn't exactly appreciated, at first.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Truth can be harsh and hard to accept, even when it is valuable.
This quote by Harriet Beecher Stowe highlights the idea that sometimes the truth, despite its worth, can be met with resistance or hurt upon first impact. The metaphor of a 'diamond of truth' suggests that while the truth is precious, the way it is delivered may not always be welcomed, and its initial reception can be painful or uncomfortable.
Themes
TruthWisdomAcceptanceCommunicationPain
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of accepting constructive criticism.
More from Harriet Beecher Stowe
All quotes →What's your hurry?" Because now is the only time there ever is to do a thing in," said Miss Ophelia.
Harriet Beecher StoweRead
So much has been said and sung of beautiful young girls, why doesn't somebody wake up to the beauty of old women.
Harriet Beecher StoweRead
It is generally understood that men don't aspire after the absolute right, but only to do about as well as the rest of the world.
Harriet Beecher StoweRead
Death! Strange that there should be such a word, and such a thing, and we ever forget it; that one should be living, warm and beautiful, full of hopes, desires and wants, one day, and the next be gone, utterly gone, and forever!
Harriet Beecher StoweRead
Once, in an age, God sends to some of us a friend who loves in us, not a false imagining, an unreal character, but, looking through all the rubbish of our imperfections, loves in us the divine ideal of our nature, — loves, not the man that we are, but the angel that we may be.
Harriet Beecher StoweRead
Similar quotes
Observe what is with undivided awareness.
Bruce LeeRead
In the intricate paths of life when difficulties and hardships confront a man, and the darkness of difficulty and suffering becomes long, it is patience only that acts like a light for a Muslim, that keeps him safe from wandering here and there, and saves him from the muddy marsh of disappointment, desperation and frustration.
Al-GhazaliRead
Having a large amount of leverage is like driving a car with a dagger on the steering wheel pointed at your heart. If you do that, you will be a better driver. There will be fewer accidents but when they happen, they will be fatal.
Warren BuffettRead
We use mindfulness to observe the way we cling to pleasant experiences & push away unpleasant ones.
Sharon SalzbergRead
It's not a very big step from contentment to complacency.
Simone De BeauvoirRead
The day obedience becomes a quest and not an irritation is the day you gain power.
Spencer W. KimballRead