A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive.
Pearl BaileyRead
Sometimes I would almost rather have people take away years of my life than take away a moment.
Interpretation
Valuing moments over years, prioritizing meaningful experiences.
This quote by Pearl Bailey underscores the immense value of moments in life, asserting that a single significant moment can hold more importance than the passage of years. It suggests that the quality of our experiences can be more precious than the quantity of time we have, highlighting the importance of living fully and cherishing the present.
In practice
A motivational speaker might use this quote to inspire an audience to cherish every moment.
A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive.
Never, never rest contented with any circle of ideas, but always be certain that a wider one is still possible.
There is a way to look at the past. Don't hide from it. It will not catch you if you don't repeat it.
The fact is that it takes more than ingredients and technique to cook a good meal. A good cook puts something of himself into the preparation - he cooks with enjoyment, anticipation, spontaneity, and he is willing to experiment.
You never find yourself until you face the truth.
I never really look for anything. What God throws my way comes. I wake up in the morning and whichever way God turns my feet, I go.
Daily dawns another day; I must up, to make my way. Though I dress and drink and eat, Move my fingers and my feet, Learn a little, here and there, Weep and laugh and sweat and swear, Hear a song, or watch a stage, Leave some words upon a page, Claim a foe, or hail a friend- Bed awaits me at the end.
It was a very intense and stressful situation. There was playing in the Johnny-pump (an opened fire hydrant) and the ice-cream man coming around and all of these games that we'd play, and suddenly it would turn just violent and there would be shootings at 12 in the afternoon on any given day.
I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty. What power wouldn't I trade for a little more time with my family? What price wouldn't I pay for an evening with friends? It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime.
I was born inside the movie of my life. The visuals were before me, the audio surrounded me, the plot unfolded inevitably but not necessarily. I don't remember how I got into the movie, but it continues to entertain me.
Each time I think I've created time for myself, along comes a throwback to disrupt my private space.
I have found life an enjoyable, enchanting, active, and sometime terrifying experience, and I've enjoyed it completely. A lament in one ear, maybe, but always a song in the other.
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