Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of one's actions.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
I have one talent, and that is the capacity to be tremendously surprised, surprised at life, at ideas. This is to me the supreme Hasidic imperative: Don't be old. Don't be stale.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and novelty in life.
Abraham Joshua Heschel's quote underscores a profound approach to living: the ability to embrace surprise and remain open to new experiences and ideas. He advocates against becoming stagnant or set in our ways, suggesting that retaining a childlike curiosity is fundamental to a vibrant and fulfilling life. This notion resonates deeply within the Hasidic tradition, which cherishes the freshness of spirit and the joy found in discovery.
Themes
SurpriseWonderLifeCuriosityChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about embracing change, I might say, 'As Abraham Joshua Heschel reminds us, the capacity to be tremendously surprised is a true gift of life.'
More from Abraham Joshua Heschel
All quotes βNormal consciousness is a state of stupor, in which the sensibility to the wholly real and responsiveness to the stimuli of the spirit are reduced. The mystics, knowing that man is involved in a hidden history of the cosmos, endeavor to awake from the drowsiness and apathy and to regain the state of wakefulness for their enchanted souls.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
Prayer cannot bring water to parched fields, or mend a broken bridge, or rebuild a ruined city; but prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, and rebuild a weakened will.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
The worship of reason is arrogance and betrays a lack of intelligence. The rejection of reason is cowardice and betrays a lack of faith.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
We worship God through our questions.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
When religion speaks only in the name of authority rather than with the voice of compassion, its message becomes meaningless.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
Similar quotes
It is wise to direct your anger towards problems - not people; to focus your energies on answers - not excuses.
William Arthur WardRead
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Khalil GibranRead
Only if you're kind to yourself, can you be kind to others.
Ruby WaxRead
Ask no guarantees, ask for no security, there never was such an animal. And if there was it would be related to the great sloth which hangs upside down in a tree all day every day, sleeping its life away.
Ray BradburyRead
Grace will expose the deepest issues of your heart, then point you to the Cross which covers everything that's been exposed.
Paul David TrippRead
Women are real. Our reality covers the whole human megillah, from feeble to fierce, from bad to good, from endangered to dangerous. We don't just deserve power, we have it. And power in this and every other society is not just the capacity to benefit those around us.
Katherine DunnRead