Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.
HeraclitusRead
Even a soul submerged in sleep _x000D_ is hard at work and helps _x000D_ make something of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Even when we are not actively engaged, our thoughts and subconscious contribute to the world's progress.
This quote by Heraclitus suggests that even when individuals appear inactive or in a state of rest, like sleeping, their mind continues to work and contribute to the greater fabric of existence. It highlights the idea that creativity and progress are often driven by subconscious processes, and every individual has a role in shaping the world, even when they may not be consciously aware of it.
Themes
ConsciousnessSubconsciousThoughtsWorkWorld
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on creativity, one might say this quote to illustrate the importance of subconscious thought.
More from Heraclitus
All quotes βThinking is a sacred disease and sight is deceptive.
HeraclitusRead
Things of which there is sight, hearing, apprehension, these I prefer.
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Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.
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For when is death not within our selves? And as Heracleitus says: βLiving and dead are the same, and so are awake and asleep, young and old. The former when shifted are the latter, and again the latter when shifted are the former."
HeraclitusRead
Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details. Knowledge is not intelligence. In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected. Change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
HeraclitusRead
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It would be a bitter cosmic joke if we destroy ourselves due to atrophy of the imagination.
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It is part of the irony of life that the strongest feelings of devoted gratitude of which human nature seems to be susceptible, are called forth in human beings towards those who, having the power entirely to crush their earthly existence, voluntarily refrain from using that power.
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In seeking comfort, we generally find a quiet corner in life where there is a minimum of conflict, and then we are afraid to step out of that seclusion.
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