I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife.
James Russell LowellRead
It may be glorious to write Thoughts that shall glad the two or three High souls, like those far stars that come in sight Once in a century.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the rarity and significance of impactful thoughts that resonate deeply with a select few.
James Russell Lowell expresses the idea that while many may strive for recognition, the true glory lies in crafting thoughts that profoundly touch the hearts and minds of a small number of remarkable individuals. Just as rare stars appear only once in a century, such thoughts can illuminate the lives of those fortunate enough to encounter them, making them invaluable despite their scarcity.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a literary discussion to emphasize the value of meaningful writing.
I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife.
The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
Good luck is the willing handmaid of upright, energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty.
Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.
Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.
Good befalls us while we sleep, sometimes.
The tantalizing discomfort of perplexity is what inspires otherwise ordinary men and women to extraordinary feats of ingenuity and creativity; nothing quite focuses the mind like dissonant details awaiting harmonious resolution.
Long for what is real. You will then have no time for worrying over what may never happen.
It's hard to practice compassion when we're struggling with our authenticity or when our own worthiness is off-balance.
I was hugely impressed... was the ultimate example of a man who knew what he didn't know, was perfectly willing to admit it, and didn't want to leave until he understood. That's heroic to me. I wish every grad student had that attitude.
To the proud, the applause of the world rings in their ears; to the humble, the applause of heaven warms their hearts.
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