Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of one's actions.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
Never once in my life did I ask God for success or wisdom or power or fame. I asked for wonder, and he gave it to me.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of seeking wonder and appreciation in life rather than conventional achievements.
Abraham Joshua Heschel's quote reflects a philosophical perspective on what truly matters in life. Rather than chasing after success, wisdom, or recognition, he advocates for the pursuit of wonderβa deep appreciation for the beauty and mystery of existence. This suggests that a fulfilling life comes not from external accolades but from an intrinsic sense of awe and connection to the world around us.
In practice
In a graduation speech, a speaker might use this quote to inspire students to value curiosity over traditional success.
Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of one's actions.
Normal consciousness is a state of stupor, in which the sensibility to the wholly real and responsiveness to the stimuli of the spirit are reduced. The mystics, knowing that man is involved in a hidden history of the cosmos, endeavor to awake from the drowsiness and apathy and to regain the state of wakefulness for their enchanted souls.
Prayer cannot bring water to parched fields, or mend a broken bridge, or rebuild a ruined city; but prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, and rebuild a weakened will.
The worship of reason is arrogance and betrays a lack of intelligence. The rejection of reason is cowardice and betrays a lack of faith.
We worship God through our questions.
When religion speaks only in the name of authority rather than with the voice of compassion, its message becomes meaningless.
Let no one be slow to seek wisdom when he is young nor weary in the search of it when he has grown old. For no age is too early or too late for the health of the soul.
The way to deal with superstition is not to be polite to it, but to tackle it with all arms, and so rout it, cripple it, and make it forever infamous and ridiculous.
We must give up the vain idea of trying to please everybody. That is impossible, and the attempt is a mere waste of time. We must be content to walk in Christ's steps, and let the world say what it likes.
Build the raft of meditation and self-discipline, to carry you across the river. There will be no ocean, and no rising tides to stop you; this is how comfortable your path shall be.
It is useful to constantly observe, note, and consider.
Old father, old artificer, stand me now and ever in good stead.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.