It is the pull of opposite poles that stretches souls. And only stretched souls make music.
Interpretation
Opposite experiences and challenges shape our character and creativity.
The quote by Eric Hoffer suggests that the contrasting forces and experiences in our lives are necessary for personal growth and expression. By encountering and embracing these opposing elements, our souls are metaphorically stretched, leading to deeper understanding and creativity, much like how tension in a musical instrument produces sound. It emphasizes the idea that true artistry and emotional resonance arise from the complexities of life.
In practice
This quote could be used during a motivational speech to inspire artists facing challenges.
Language was invented to ask questions. Answers may be given by grunts and gestures, but questions must be spoken. Humanness came of age when man asked the first question. Social stagnation results not from a lack of answers but from the absence of the impulse to ask questions.
Faith in humanity, in posterity, in the destiny of one's religion, nation, race, party or family-what is it but the visualization of that eternal something to which we attach the self that is about to be annihilated?
You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.
Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things than when we seem to lack but one thing.
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about.
Perhaps a modern society can remain stable only by eliminating adolescence, by giving its young, from the age of ten, the skills, responsibilities, and rewards of grownups, and opportunities for action in all spheres of life. Adolescence should be a time of useful action, while book learning and scholarship should be a preoccupation of adults.
Fair... You'd be amazed how often I hear that word, Frank Zhang,and how meaningless it is. Is it fair your life will burn so short and bright? Was it fair when I guided your mother to the Underworld? No, not fair. And yet it was her time. There is no fairness in Death. If you free me, I will do my duty.
American individualism, much celebrated and cherished, has developed without its essential corrective, which is belonging.
If you knew that your life was merely a phase or short, short segment of your entire existence, how would you live? Knowing nothing 'real' was at risk, what would you do? You'd live a gigantic, bold, fun, dazzling life. You know you would. That's what the ghosts want us to do - all the exciting things they no longer can.
Liberty consists in doing what one desires.
There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide.
As long as you find something beautiful, good, and true to believe in and abide by, you have the equivalent of God in your life.
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