Strong men greet war, tempest, hard times. They wish, as Pindar said, to tread the floors of hell, with necessities as hard as iron.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the strength and resilience of individuals who face adversity with bravery and resolve.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote emphasizes the idea that true strength is revealed in times of hardship and conflict. It portrays courageous individuals as those who confront challenges head-on, desiring to endure even the most difficult circumstances with a steadfast spirit, akin to walking through hell but equipped with the resilience and tools necessary to survive and thrive.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges, one could reference this quote to inspire listeners.
It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.
Few people have any next, they live from hand to mouth without a plan, and are always at the end of their line.
Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations
Tis the good reader that makes the good book; a good head cannot read amiss: in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakeably meant for his ear.
The world belongs to the energetic.
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
It was incomprehensible to me that someone who had never seen me before, someone who knew absolutely nothing about me, would want to inflict pain upon me for no other reason than the color of my skin.
Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's got to keep going.
The most important thing for me is that I've used my talents as a writer to enable the Ogoni people to confront their tormentors. I was not able to do it as a politician or a businessman. My writing did it. And it sure makes me feel good! I'm mentally prepared for the worst, but hopeful for the best. I think I have the moral victory.
It's easier to aim to please and say what others want to hear than to form an opinion and fight for it, even if it means taking a risk or losing your job.
Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind - even if your voice shakes.
When our actions do not, our fears make us traitors.
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