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When you surrender, the problem ceases to exist. Try to solve it, or conquer it, and you only set up more resistance. . . . The most difficult thing to admit, and to realize with one's whole being, is that you alone control nothing. . . .
Henry Miller
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Surrendering to a problem can lead to peace, while resisting it only increases struggle.

This quote by Henry Miller highlights the paradox of surrendering to challenges rather than fighting against them. It suggests that accepting the reality of a situation allows for personal peace and a clearer perspective, whereas constantly trying to control or overcome issues can lead to more conflict and suffering. Ultimately, it points to the importance of recognizing the limits of personal control in the face of life's complexities.

Themes

SurrenderControlAcceptanceResistancePeace

In practice

Example use cases

In a meditation class while discussing methods of finding inner peace.

More from Henry Miller

Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
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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.
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The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
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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?
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We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
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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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