Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
Robert E. LeeRead
I am now considered such a monster, that I hesitate to darken with my shadow, the doors of those I love, lest I should bring upon them misfortune.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker feels like a burden to their loved ones, fearing their presence might bring harm.
In this quote, Robert E. Lee expresses deep concern for the well-being of those he cares about, believing that his own existence may be detrimental to them. The metaphor of being a 'monster' illustrates his self-perception of being harmful, suggesting that personal struggles or past actions could negatively impact the lives of his loved ones. It highlights a painful sense of isolation that can arise when one feels unworthy of love and connection due to perceived flaws.
Themes
MonsterLoveMisfortuneRelationshipsFear
In practice
Example use cases
In a personal development workshop discussing how to cope with feelings of inadequacy when involving loved ones.
More from Robert E. Lee
All quotes βLife Insurance trusts I consider sacred. To hazard the property of the dead & to lose the scanty earnings of fathers & husbands, who have toiled & saved that they may leave something to their families deprived of their care & the support of their labour, is to my mind the worst of crimes.
Robert E. LeeRead
It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.
Robert E. LeeRead
So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained.
Robert E. LeeRead
Our country demands all our strength, all our energies. To resist the powerful combination now forming against us will require every man at his place. If victorious, we will have everything to hope for in the future. If defeated, nothing will be left for us to live for.
Robert E. LeeRead
With all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relative, my children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army.
Robert E. LeeRead
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