As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.
Henry Van DykeRead
Oh, London is a man's town, there's power in the air; And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair; And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome; But when it comes to living, there is no place like home.
Interpretation
This quote celebrates the unique charms of various cities while ultimately emphasizing the unmatched comfort and significance of one's home.
Henry Van Dyke's quote contrasts the enchanting aspects of iconic cities—London's power, Paris's beauty, Venice's dreaminess, and Rome's educational allure—with the profound sense of belonging and comfort that can only be found at home. It suggests that while travel can be inspiring and fulfilling, true fulfillment is found in the familiarity and security of one's own living space.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of home during a community event.
As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.
It is with rivers as it is with people: the greatest are not always the most agreeable nor the best to live with.
Let me but find it in my heart to say, When vagrant wishes beckon me astray, "This is my work; my blessing, not my doom; Of all who live, I am the one by whom This work can best be done in the right way."
And you will remember that love is not getting, but giving; not a wild dream of pleasure, and a madness of desire — oh no, love is not that — it is goodness, and honour, and peace, and pure living — yes, love is that; and it is the best thing in the world, and the thing that lives longest.
No amount of energy will take the place of thought. A strenuous life with its eyes shut is a kind of wild insanity.
A peace that depends on fear is nothing but a suppressed war.
He thought how sad it was to be an Animal who had never had a bunch of violets picked for him.
This is the Hour of Lead- Remembered, if outlived, As freezing persons, recollect the Snow- First-Chill-then Stupor- then the letting go---
He ate a pear. It was a hard one. It fought back against his grinding teeth. It snapped in juicy protest.
Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
But it's just because the chances are all against you, just because there is so little hope, that life is sweet over here.
In all cultures, the midwife's place is on the threshold of life, where intense human emotions, fear, hope, longing, triumph, and incredible physical power-enable a new human being to emerge. Her vocation is unique.
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