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.
I am not among those who fear the people. They, and not the rich, are our dependence for continued freedom.
Every morning you put on your clothes to cover your nakedness and protect your body from inclement weather. Why don't you also clothe your soul with the garment of faith? Remember each morning the truths of your creed, and look at yourself in the mirror of your faith. Otherwise, your soul will soon be naked with the nakedness of oblivion.
Language serves not only to express thought but to make possible thoughts which could not exist without it.
She also considered very seriously what she would look like in a little cottage in the middle of the forest, dressed in a melancholy gray and holding communion only with the birds and trees; a life of retirement away from the vain world; a life into which no man came. It had its attractions, but she decided that gray did not suit her.
Serenity comes from the ability to say βYesβ to existence. Courage comes from the ability to say βNoβ to the wrong choices made by others.
A craving for freedom and independence is generated only in a man still living on hope.
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