But if our sex would but well consider and rationally ponder, they will perceive and find that it is neither words nor place that can advance them, but worth and merit.
Margaret CavendishRead
Not that I am ashamed of my mind or body, my birth or breeding, my actions or fortunes, for my bashfulness is in my nature, not for any crime.
Interpretation
The quote expresses acceptance of oneself and the natural disposition of shyness, highlighting that it is not tied to any wrongdoing.
Margaret Cavendish reflects on the nature of her bashfulness, emphasizing that it does not stem from any shame about herself or her circumstances. Instead, she embraces her personality traits and acknowledges that her shyness is an inherent part of who she is, unrelated to any perceived faults or societal judgments.
In practice
During a speech about mental health, someone might share this quote to explain the importance of self-acceptance.
But if our sex would but well consider and rationally ponder, they will perceive and find that it is neither words nor place that can advance them, but worth and merit.
All your restlessness is out of your desire for stillness Just desire restlessly, then, love will fill and still you. All your unhealthiness is out of your desire for health, Just abandon health, then, even poison will heal you.
Don't argue about the difficulties. The difficulties will argue for themselves.
Always be ready to speak your mind, and a base man will avoid you.
Mythology tells us that where you stumble, there your treasure is ... The world is a match for us, and weβre a match for the world. And where it seems most challenging lies the greatest invitation to find deeper and greater power in ourselves.
Real excellence and humility are not incompatible one with the other, on the contrary they are twin sisters.
I think of the need for more wisdom in the world, to deal with the knowledge that we have. At one time we had wisdom, but little knowledge. Now we have a great deal of knowledge, but do we have enough wisdom to deal with that knowledge?
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