The only thing in the world worth a damn is the strange, touching, pathetic, awesome nobility of the individual human spirit.
Interpretation
The essence of humanity lies in the individuality and resilience of each person.
This quote emphasizes the profound value of the individual human spirit, suggesting that the true worth of existence is found in the unique struggles, emotions, and dignities of each person. It acknowledges the complexity and nobility inherent in each individual, recognizing both their vulnerability and strength as key elements of the human experience.
In practice
In a motivational speech about perseverance and human strength.
At times it seems as if arranging to have no commitment of any kind to anyone would be a special freedom. But in fact the whole idea works in reverse. The most deadly commitment of all is to be committed only to one's self. Some come to realize this after they are in the nursing home.
Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather.
I take it that 'gentleman' is a term that only describes a person in his relation to others; but when we speak of him as 'a man,' we consider him not merely with regard to his fellow-men, but in relation to himself,--to life--to time--to eternity.
Pots can show malice, the patterns of linoleum can leer up at you, treachery is the other side of dailiness.
Only man is permitted to live without rhythm in order that he can become free. However, he must of his own accord bring rhythm again into the chaos.
We are the eyes of the cosmos. So that in a way, when you look deeply into somebody's eyes, you're looking deep into yourself, and the other person is looking deeply into the same self.
Come aboard if your destination is oblivion- it should be our next stop. We can sit together. You can have the window seat if you want. But it's a sad view.
Suppose we suddenly wake up and see that what we thought to be this and that, ain't this and that at all?
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