I suffered evils, but without allowing them to rob me of the freedom to expand.
Gordon ParksRead
Nothing came easy. I was just born with a need to explore every part of my mind. And with long searching and hard work, I became devoted to my restlessness.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the value of hard work and the pursuit of personal exploration despite challenges.
Gordon Parks reflects on his journey of personal growth, highlighting that nothing of value comes effortlessly. His innate drive to explore his thoughts and creativity required dedication and perseverance, ultimately leading him to a deep commitment to understanding himself and the world around him through continuous effort and introspection.
In practice
In a motivational speech to college students about pursuing their passions.
I suffered evils, but without allowing them to rob me of the freedom to expand.
You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery.
If you don't have anything to say, your photographs aren't going to say much.
The camera could be a very powerful instrument against discrimination, against poverty, against racism.
And I think that after nearly 85 years upon this planet that I have a right after working so hard at showing the desolation and the poverty, to show something beautiful for somebody as well.
I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera.
If you want to be given everything, give everything up.
Donβt ask me why I obsessively look to rock βnβ roll bands for some kind of model for a better society. I guess itβs just that I glimpsed something beautiful in a flashbulb moment once, and perhaps mistaking it for prophecy have been seeking its fulfillment ever since.
There are nettles everywhere, but smooth, green grasses are more common still; the blue of heaven is larger than the cloud.
If your religion doesn't teach you the difference between good and evil, your religion is worse than useless.
Sometimes you want to whisper in God's ear, "God, we know you are in charge, but why don't you make it slightly more obvious?"
The truth is that everyone is bored, and devotes himself to cultivating habits.
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