Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
In whatever man does without God, he must fail miserably, or succeed more miserably.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human endeavors without divine guidance often lead to failure or dissatisfaction.
This quote by George Macdonald suggests that any actions taken by a person without considering a higher power or divine influence are likely to result in either complete failure or a form of success that is ultimately unfulfilling. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual or moral guidance in achieving true success and fulfillment in life.
Themes
FailureSuccessGodGuidancePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of faith in professional pursuits.
More from George Macdonald
All quotes βIt is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacdonaldRead
He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
George MacdonaldRead
When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
George MacdonaldRead
But words are vain; reject them allβ They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
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If a man be endowed with a generous mind, this is the best kind of nobility.
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Once you say 'I want to find Truth', all your life will be deeply affected by it. All your mental and physical habits, feelings and emotions, desires and fears, plans and decisions will undergo a most radical transformation.
Sri Nisargadatta MaharajRead