So many gods, so many creeds, so many paths that wind and wind while just the art of being kind is all the sad world needs.
Interpretation
Kindness is the essential virtue needed in a world filled with diversity and complexity.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's quote emphasizes that amidst the multitude of beliefs, religions, and life paths people follow, the fundamental necessity for humanity is kindness. It suggests that no matter the differences among individuals, a simple act of kindness can bridge gaps and bring compassion to a world that is often sorrowful.
In practice
In a speech about community service, I could use this quote to highlight the importance of kindness.
Sweep up the debris of decaying faith; _x000D_ Sweep down the cobwebs of worn-out out beliefs, _x000D_ And throw your soul wide open to the light of reason and of knowledge. _x000D_ Be not afraid _x000D_ To thrust aside half-truths and grasp the whole.
I am the voice of the voiceless; Through me the dumb shall speak. Till the deaf world's ears be made to hear. The wrongs of the wordless weak. And I am my brothers keeper, And I will fight his fights; And speak the words for beast and bird. Till the world shall set things right.
A weed is but an unloved flower.
'Tis easy enough to be pleasant, When life flows along like a song; But the man worth while is the one who will smile when everything goes dead wrong.
Do you wish the world were happy? Then remember day by day, just to scatter seeds of kindness as you pass along the way. . . .
It is easy to be pleasant when life flows by like a song, but the man worth while is the one who will smile when everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, and it always comes with years, and the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through the tears.
Bear in mind that brains and learning, like muscle and physical skill, are articles of commerce. They are bought and sold. You can hire them by the year or by the hour. The only thing in the world not for sale is character.
Let my skin and sinews and bones dry up, together with all the flesh and blood of my body! I welcome it! But I will not move from this spot until I have attained the supreme and final wisdom.
Knowledge is only potential power.
Reformers who are always compromising, have not yet grasped the idea that truth is the only safe ground to stand upon.
Do not go to the garden of flowers!_x000D_ O friend! go not there;_x000D_ In your body is the garden of flowers._x000D_ Take your seat on the thousand petals of the_x000D_ lotus, and there gaze on the infinite beauty.
To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.
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