The most mortifying infirmity in human nature, to feel in ourselves, or to contemplate in another, is perhaps cowardice.
Interpretation
Cowardice is one of the most shameful traits in human nature, whether seen in ourselves or others.
In this quote, Charles Lamb reflects on the deep shame and discomfort that arises when confronted with cowardice, either in ourselves or in others. He suggests that the recognition of this trait can be profoundly mortifying, as it highlights our vulnerabilities and the instinctive fear that often dictates human behavior. Cowardice, being a perceived weakness, often leads to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment, making it a painful aspect of our existence.
In practice
In a motivational speech to inspire courage in the workplace.
Thus, when the lamp that lighted The traveller at first goes out, He feels awhile benighted, And looks around in fear and doubt. But soon, the prospect clearing, By cloudless starlight on he treads, And thinks no lamp so cheering As that light which Heaven sheds.
As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see, So deep in my soul the still prayer of devotion, Unheard by the world, rises silent to Thee. As still to the star of its worship, though clouded, The needle points faithfully o'er the dim sea, So dark when I roam in this wintry world shrouded, The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Thee.
Oh, ever thus, from childhood's hour, I 've seen my fondest hopes decay; I never loved a tree or flower But 't was the first to fade away. I never nurs'd a dear gazelle, To glad me with its soft black eye, But when it came to know me well And love me, it was sure to die.
May my last breath be drawn through a pipe, and exhaled in a jest.
A pun is not bound by the laws which limit nicer wit. It is a pistol let off at the ear; not a feather to tickle the intellect.
All, all are gone, the old familiar faces.
To me, David Astor was a freedom fighter. To me, he wasn't just a journalist; he was a freedom fighter.
Women have to summon courage to fulfill dormant dreams.
Sometimes I hear the crowd cheering, and most of the time your body's on auto pilot, so sometimes even after I do a floor routine, I'm like, 'Did I really just do that?'
This is a great country and requires a good deal of all of us, so I can imagine nothing more important than for all of you to continue to work in public affairs and be interested in them, not only to bring up a family, but also give part of your time to your community, your state, and your country.
The murder of Sean Brown hurt my soul.
Overcoming difficulties leads to courage, self-respect, and knowing yourself.
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