Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
When one is trying to do something beyond his known powers it is useless to seek the approval of friends. Friends are at their best in moments of defeat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True friends support you in failure more than in success, especially when pursuing ambitious goals.
This quote by Henry Miller emphasizes the importance of self-reliance when attempting to achieve great things that stretch beyond our current capabilities. It suggests that seeking validation from friends can be counterproductive; friends often show their true worth during challenging times, making their support more meaningful when we face setbacks rather than in moments of success.
Themes
FriendsApprovalFailureSuccessSupport
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be referenced in a motivational speech about resilience during challenges.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes βI 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
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