As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.
Henry Van DykeRead
So let the way wind up the hill or down, O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy; Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, New friendship, high adventure, and a crown. My heart will keep the courage of the quest, And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of enjoying life's journey and maintaining hope and courage in pursuit of one's dreams.
Henry Van Dyke's quote reflects the notion that life is a journey filled with both challenges and joys. As we navigate through ups and downs, the essence lies in the pursuit of new friendships, adventures, and aspirations, embodied in a spirit of courage and hope that the outcomes will be rewarding. It encourages us to maintain an optimistic outlook as we seek fulfillment and purpose in our lives.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a graduation speech to inspire graduates to embrace their future adventures.
As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.
It is with rivers as it is with people: the greatest are not always the most agreeable nor the best to live with.
Let me but find it in my heart to say, When vagrant wishes beckon me astray, "This is my work; my blessing, not my doom; Of all who live, I am the one by whom This work can best be done in the right way."
And you will remember that love is not getting, but giving; not a wild dream of pleasure, and a madness of desire — oh no, love is not that — it is goodness, and honour, and peace, and pure living — yes, love is that; and it is the best thing in the world, and the thing that lives longest.
Oh, London is a man's town, there's power in the air; And Paris is a woman's town, with flowers in her hair; And it's sweet to dream in Venice, and it's great to study Rome; But when it comes to living, there is no place like home.
No amount of energy will take the place of thought. A strenuous life with its eyes shut is a kind of wild insanity.
I learned to ride a ten-speed when I was 4 or 5. My uncle gave me the bike, hand-me-down, and everyone used to stare at me riding up and down this block. I was too short to reach the pedals, so I put my legs through the V of the frame. I was famous. The little kid who could ride the ten-speed.
Ever since I lost my limb and started walking with a prosthetic leg, I had been working only on my goal of conquering the 29,000 feet summit. Now that it has been achieved, my next goal is the Seven Summits.
We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.
Gotta kick at the darkness til it bleeds daylight.
The world needs you. It doesn't need you at a party having read a book about how to appear smart at parties - these books exist, and they're tempting - but resist falling into that trap. The world needs you at the party starting real conversations, saying, 'I don't know,' and being kind.
I intend to inspire people with my story: motivate young people that grew up like myself, or even not like myself. Just, you know, go through the human experience.
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