Personal relations are the important thing for ever and ever, and not this outer life of telegrams and anger.
E. M. ForsterRead
We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand, and it is no good moving from place to place to save things; because the shadow always follows. Choose a place where you won't do harm - yes, choose a place where you won't do very much harm, and stand in it for all you are worth, facing the sunshine.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our actions have consequences, and we must be mindful of where we choose to stand in life.
E. M. Forster's quote emphasizes that our presence and actions inevitably create an impact on the world around us, akin to a shadow that follows us. Rather than constantly fleeing circumstances in an attempt to minimize harm, we should consciously select a position or mindset that aligns with positive values and contributes to a better environment, facing forward towards opportunities and goodwill.
Themes
ImpactMindfulnessConsciousnessChoicesPositivity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about making a positive impact in one's community.
More from E. M. Forster
All quotes →A poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
E. M. ForsterRead
One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.
E. M. ForsterRead
Oxford is Oxford: not a mere receptacle for youth, like Cambridge. Perhaps it wants its inmates to love it rather than to love one another.
E. M. ForsterRead
The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something less dramatic and emotional is needed, namely tolerance.
E. M. ForsterRead
One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
E. M. ForsterRead
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