Our torments also may in length of time Become our Elements.
Interpretation
Our struggles can transform us over time into something greater.
This quote suggests that the pain and difficulties we endure might eventually shape our character and essence. Over time, the challenges we face may not only change us but also become an integral part of who we are, influencing our thoughts, actions, and perspectives in profound ways.
In practice
In a motivational speech about resilience, one could say, 'As John Milton wisely noted, 'Our torments also may in length of time become our elements.'
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
An intellectual? Yes. And never deny it. An intellectual is someone whose mind watches itself. I like this, because I am happy to be both halves, the watcher and the watched. "Can they be brought together?" This is a practical question. We must get down to it. "I despise intelligence" really means: "I cannot bear my doubts.
The seat of the soul is where the inner world and the outer world meet. Where they overlap, it is in every point of the overlap.
If you do not think well of Him because His qualities are beautiful then think well of Him because of the way He treats you.
Like an ethereal presence_x000D_ You hang out everywhere._x000D_ Not a naughty or scary goblin,_x000D_ Rather, an inquisitive observer,_x000D_ A concerned, caring custodian,_x000D_ Visiting every niche and closet_x000D_ Where we stuff the undesired_x000D_ Of our messy, blemished lives,_x000D_ You haunt territories we ignore,_x000D_ Hoping we will find you there.
And the greatest calamity that has happened to the human mind is that he is against death. Being against death means you will miss the greatest mystery. And being against death also means that you will miss life itself - because they are deeply involved into each other; they are not two. Life is growing, death is the flowering of it. The journey and the goal are not separate; the journey ends in the goal.
Are we not all of us fanatics? I say only what you of the U.S.A. pretend you do not know. Attachments are of great seriousness. Choose your attachments carefully. Choose your temple of fanaticism with great care. What you wish to sing of as tragic love is an attachment not carefully chosen. Die for one person? This is a craziness. Persons change, leave, die, become ill. They leave, lie, go mad, have sickness, betray you, die. Your nation outlives you. A cause outlives you.
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