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I must have something to engross my thoughts, some object in life which will fill this vacuum, and prevent this sad wearing away of the heart.
Elizabeth Blackwell
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses the need for purpose and engagement in life to avoid emotional emptiness.

In this quote, Elizabeth Blackwell highlights the importance of having a meaningful focus or purpose in life. She emphasizes that without such an object or goal to engage our thoughts, one risks falling into emotional desolation and sadness, effectively 'wearing away' at the heart. It serves as a reminder of the necessity for passion and direction to maintain emotional well-being.

Themes

PurposeMeaningLifeEngagementEmotion

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about finding one's passion in life.

More from Elizabeth Blackwell

A blank wall of social and professional antagonism faces the woman physician that forms a situation of singular and painful loneliness, leaving her without support, respect or professional counsel.
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It is not easy to be a pioneer - but oh, it is fascinating!
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It is well worth the efforts of a lifetime to have attained knowledge which justifies an attack on the root of all evil ... which asserts that because forms of evil have always existed in society, therefore they must always exist.
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None of us can know what we are capable of until we are tested.
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It is not easy to be a pioneer but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world.
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If society will not admit of woman's free development, then society must be remodeled.
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