To suffer unecessarily is masochistic rather than heroic.
Viktor E. FranklRead
While waiting for a Moses to lead us into the promised land, we have forgotten how to walk.
Interpretation
We often look for a savior or leader to guide us, forgetting the importance of self-reliance and personal action.
Wendell Johnson's quote highlights the tendency of people to wait passively for someone else to take charge and lead them to success or fulfillment, much like the biblical figure Moses leading the Israelites to the promised land. In doing so, they neglect to take initiative in their own lives, losing sight of their ability to walk their own paths and make progress independently.
In practice
In a speech about personal development, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of taking action.
To suffer unecessarily is masochistic rather than heroic.
For solving a surprisingly large and varied number of problems, crowds are smarter than individuals.
Don't sweat the small stuff...and it's all small stuff.
But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder.
Patience is that the heart does not feel anger towards that which is destined and that the mouth does not complain.
The witch doctor succeeds for the same reason all the rest of us succeed. Each patient carries his or her own doctor inside him or her. They come to us not knowing that truth. We are at our best when we give the doctor who resides within each patient a chance to go to work.
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