To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in, and scramble through as well as we can.
Sydney SmithRead
we know nothing of tomorrow, our business is to be good and happy today
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on living well today instead of worrying about the uncertain future.
This quote emphasizes the importance of being present and appreciating the current moment. It suggests that while the future remains unpredictable, our responsibility lies in striving to be good and happy in our daily lives. By concentrating on today, we can cultivate a positive mindset and create a fulfilling life, regardless of what tomorrow may bring.
Themes
PresentHappinessTodayWisdomFutureMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about mindfulness, one could use this quote to inspire the audience to live in the moment.
More from Sydney Smith
All quotes →A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.
Sydney SmithRead
Do not try to push your way through to the front ranks of your profession; do not run after distinctions and rewards; but do your utmost to find an entry into the world of beauty.
Sydney SmithRead
Errors, to be dangerous, must have a great deal of truth mingled with them. It is only from this alliance that they can ever obtain an extensive circulation.
Sydney SmithRead
Find fault when you must find fault in private, and if possible sometime after the offense, rather than at the time.
Sydney SmithRead
Find fault, when you must find fault, in private, if possible; and some time after the offense, rather than at the time.
Sydney SmithRead
Similar quotes
Since all of us desire to be happy, and since we evidently become so on account of our use—that is our good use—of other things, and since knowledge is what provides this goodness of use and also good fortune, every man must, as seems plausible, prepare himself by every means for this: to be as wise as possible. Right?
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...but then the general trouble with ignorance is always that the ignorant person has no idea that that's what they are. You can be ignorant and stupid and go through your whole life without ever encountering any evidence against the hypothesis that you're a genius.
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With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
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Optimistic people generally feel that good things will last a long time and will have a beneficial effect on everything they do. And they think that bad things are isolated: They won't last too long and won't affect other parts of life.
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A timid dog barks more violently than it bites. Curtius Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet
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