More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.
Thomas TraherneRead
We do not ignore maturity. Maturity consists in not losing the past while fully living in the present with a prudent awareness of the possibilities of the future.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Maturity involves balancing our past experiences with an active presence in the moment and consideration for the future.
This quote emphasizes that true maturity is not just about age or knowledge; rather, it is the ability to acknowledge and learn from our past while fully engaging in the present. It requires an awareness and understanding of the future's potential, guiding us in how we live today.
Themes
MaturityPresentPastFutureAwareness
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire students to reflect on their journeys while looking ahead.
More from Thomas Traherne
All quotes βHappiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
Thomas TraherneRead
To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.
Thomas TraherneRead
You never know yourself till you know more than your body.
Thomas TraherneRead
Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world, than I when I was a child.
Thomas TraherneRead
The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
Thomas TraherneRead
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The severest test of work today, is not of our strategies, but of our imaginations and identities.
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