Here are a few 'quotes' I have stumbled upon and like:
1. By an unknown author
As you journey through life,
Chose your destinations well,
But do not hurry for you will arrive soon enough.
Wander the back roads of forbidden paths,
Keeping your destinations in your heart,
Like the fixed points of a compass.
Seek out new visions, strange sights,
And ideas foreign to your own;
Such things are riches for your soul.
And if upon arrival you find your destination,
To be not exactly as you had dreamed,
Do not be disappointed.
Think of all you would have missed but for the journey there,
And know that the true worth of your travels,
Lies not where you come to be at journey’s end,
But in who you come to be, and the difference you make along the way.
Chose your destinations well,
But do not hurry for you will arrive soon enough.
Wander the back roads of forbidden paths,
Keeping your destinations in your heart,
Like the fixed points of a compass.
Seek out new visions, strange sights,
And ideas foreign to your own;
Such things are riches for your soul.
And if upon arrival you find your destination,
To be not exactly as you had dreamed,
Do not be disappointed.
Think of all you would have missed but for the journey there,
And know that the true worth of your travels,
Lies not where you come to be at journey’s end,
But in who you come to be, and the difference you make along the way.
2. From a speech given by cellist Natalie Clein, a former student at Talbot Heath School, Bourenmouth:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
3. Theodore Roosevelt, speech before the Hamilton Club, 10th April 1899
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs; and who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed, who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though chequered by failure, then to rank amongst the poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory or defeat."
4. Nadine Star, aged 86. 'If I had my life to live over'
"I'd like to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax, I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones. You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had my life to live over I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd have nothing else. Just moments. one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have. If I had my life over, I would start barefoot earlier in the Spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would pick more daisies, relax."
Max Ethrmann 'Desiderata'
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant: they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself to others you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. keep interested in your career however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exersize caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is: many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself, especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture the sense of spirit to shield you from sudden misfortune. But do not stress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and lonliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars and you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be; and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it's shams, drugery and broken drems, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. keep interested in your career however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exersize caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is: many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself, especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture the sense of spirit to shield you from sudden misfortune. But do not stress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and lonliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars and you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be; and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it's shams, drugery and broken drems, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
