I have remained true to my deepest convictions. I mean the courage of those who are born to be defeated, the weaknesses of the strong, and the tragedy of misunderstandings and missed opportunities, which I have done my best to treat as comedy—for otherwise how can we manage to bear it?
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the strength found in recognizing and embracing human flaws and failures through a lens of humor.
Penelope Fitzgerald's quote delves into the complexities of human experience, highlighting how courage can coexist with defeat and how misunderstandings can shape our lives. By treating life's tragedies with a sense of comedy, she suggests that humor serves as a coping mechanism that allows us to navigate our weaknesses and missed opportunities, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage resilience in facing challenges.
More than that, I believe that the grass is green because green is restful to the human eye, that the sky is blue to give us an idea of the infinite. And that blood is red so that murder will be more easily detected and criminals will be brought to justice. Yes, and I believe that I shall live forever, but I shall live without reason.
Experiences aren't given to us to be 'got over,' otherwise they would hardly be experiences.
However, no two people see the external world in exactly the same way. To every separate person a thing is what he thinks it is - in other words, not a thing, but a think.
Never to wrong others takes one a long way towards peace of mind.
The earth is enjoyed by heroes
The soul is innocent and immortal, it should never die ungodly in an armed madhouse.
Terrorism has become a festering wound. It is an enemy of humanity.
If you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work.
As the least drop of wine tinges the whole goblet, so the least particle of truth colors our whole life.
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