QuoteProject
One of the reasons why so few of us ever act, instead of react, is because we are continually stifling our deepest impulses.
Henry Miller
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of acting on our inner urges rather than suppressing them.

Henry Miller suggests that many people struggle to take decisive action in their lives because they constantly inhibit their true desires and impulses. This stifling prevents individuals from fully engaging with their motivations and can lead to a reactive rather than proactive approach to life.

Themes

ActionImpulsesReactProactiveDesires

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech to encourage self-expression and authenticity.

More from Henry Miller

Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead

Similar quotes

Knowledge is one thing, virtue is another.
John Henry NewmanRead
Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.
Will RogersRead
The quality of wit inspires more admiration than confidence
George SantayanaRead
It takes a wonderful brain and exquisite senses to produce a few stupid ideas.
George SantayanaRead
My whole life I have been complaining _x000D_ that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered _x000D_ that my interruptions _x000D_ were my work.
Henri NouwenRead
The great will not condescend to take anything seriously.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.