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Whatever there be of progress in life comes not through adaptation but through daring.
Henry Miller
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Progress in life requires courage to take risks rather than simply adapting to situations.

Henry Miller's quote emphasizes that true progress in life is achieved not by just conforming to circumstances but by having the audacity to take risks and pursue bold actions. It suggests that adaptation might keep us comfortable but daring is what propels us forward and fosters genuine growth.

Themes

ProgressDaringLifeCourageGrowth

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about entrepreneurship, I might use this quote to highlight the importance of taking risks.

More from Henry Miller

Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
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I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
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The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
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Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
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We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
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To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead

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