I'd rather have two good friends, than 500,000 admirers.
E. E. CummingsRead
may i be i is the only prayer--not may i be great or good or beautiful or wise or strong today... may i be me....five foot eleven, brown hair/eyed, smart, serious, happy, frustrated, impatient, joyful, running, sleeping, smiling, eating, trying, believing, listening, being & becoming.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance over the desire to be seen as great or admirable.
E. E. Cummings expresses a profound idea that the essence of a meaningful life is not found in striving for societal ideals of greatness or perfection, but in the simple yet powerful act of being oneself. In acknowledging all aspects of existence—from joyful moments to frustrations—Cummings encourages a holistic acceptance of one's identity, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in embracing our unique individuality.
Themes
AuthenticitySelf-AcceptanceIdentityBeingWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire individuals during a speech about mental health and the importance of self-love.
More from E. E. Cummings
All quotes →I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
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It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
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When god decided to invent everything he took one reath bigger than a circustent and everything began
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The Artist is no other than he who unlearns what he has learned, in order to know himself.
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Nobody else can be alive for you; nor can you be alive for anybody else.
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