QuoteProject
The scar will remain, but it is better for a man to lose both arms than his soul; and these hard years, instead of being lost, may be made the most precious of your lives, if they teach you to rule yourselves.
Louisa May Alcott
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Outer scars may fade, but the integrity of one's soul is paramount, and difficult experiences can lead to profound personal growth.

This quote emphasizes the importance of inner strength and self-control over physical capabilities or injuries. It suggests that while external wounds may heal over time, the integrity of one's soul is irreplaceable and should not be sacrificed. The hardships we face can serve as valuable lessons that contribute to our personal development, encouraging us to gain mastery over our emotions and actions.

Themes

ScarSoulHardshipGrowthSelf-Control

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity, one might use this quote to inspire resilience.

More from Louisa May Alcott

Women have been called queens for a long time, but the kingdom given them isn't worth ruling.
Louisa May AlcottRead
You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.
Louisa May AlcottRead
"Stay" is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary.
Louisa May AlcottRead
... swept into the giddy vortex which keeps so many young people revolving aimlessly, till they go down or are cast upon the shore, wrecks of what they might have been
Louisa May AlcottRead
Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.
Louisa May AlcottRead
It takes two flints to make a fire.
Louisa May AlcottRead

Similar quotes

Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat. Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment.
Morihei UeshibaRead
People should be more like animals . . . they should be more intuitive; they should not be too conscious of what they do while they do it.
Albert EinsteinRead
Drink not the third glass, which thou canst not tame, when once it is within thee.
George HerbertRead
The assumption that what currently exists must necessarily exist is the acid that corrodes all visionary thinking.
Murray BookchinRead
Life whispers to you all the time...from the time you wake up in the morning and with every single experience.
Oprah WinfreyRead
A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.
Mark TwainRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.