There are people of spirit and there are people of passion, both less common than one might think. Rarer still are the people of spirit and passion. But rarest of all is a passionable spirit.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the rarity of individuals who possess both spirit and passion, suggesting that true greatness comes from combining these qualities.
Martin Buber's quote emphasizes the importance of having both spirit and passion in one's approach to life. While many people may have either trait, those who embody both, and particularly a 'passionable spirit', are exceedingly rare. This combination allows for a deeper engagement with life and a more profound impact on the world around them, suggesting that such individuals are uniquely equipped to inspire and lead others.
In practice
In a motivational speech to inspire students to pursue their passions.
When I confront a human being as my Thou and speak the basic word I-Thou to him, then he is no thing among things nor does he consist of things. He is no longer He or She, a dot in the world grid of space and time, nor a condition to be experienced and described, a loose bundle of named qualities. Neighborless and seamless, he is Thou and fills the firmament. Not as if there were nothing but he; but everything else lives in his light.
Play is the exultation of the possible.
There is no room for God in him who is full of himself.
Every person born in this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique.
It is usual to think of good and evil as two poles, two opposite directions, the antithesis of one another...We must begin by doing away with this convention.
God dwells wherever man lets Him in.
Great persons are able to do great kindnesses.
Instead of resisting any emotion, the best way to dispel it is to enter it fully, embrace it and see through your resistance.
Those who think that it is easy to play chess are mistaken. During a game a player lives on his nerves, and at the same time he must be perfectly composed.
Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers; for both, if trusted, injure those who trust them. If you admit as friends men who seek your favor for the lowest ends, your life will be lacking in friends who will risk your displeasure for the highest good.
A fool too late bewares when all the peril is past.
If you become more concerned for the welfare of others, you will experience a sense of calm, inner-strength, and self confidence.
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