Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
Begin this moment, wherever you find yourself, and take no thought of the morrow. Look not to Russia, China, India, not to Washington, not to the adjoining county, city or state, but to your immediate surroundings. Forget Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed and all the others. Do your part to the best of your ability, regardless of the consequences. Above all, do not wait for the next man to follow suit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on the present and take action without worrying about external influences or future consequences.
Henry Miller's quote encourages individuals to concentrate on their immediate environment and take responsibility for their actions in the present moment. Instead of looking outward to religious figures or global leaders for guidance, he emphasizes the importance of personal agency and the necessity of acting decisively, regardless of potential outcomes. This perspective fosters a sense of empowerment and the understanding that one’s contributions can start from within, right where one is.
Themes
PresentActionResponsibilityEmpowermentAgency
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk about taking initiative in personal projects.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes →I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
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The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
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Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
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We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
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To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
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