You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But the very fact that this world is so challenging is exactly why you sometimes must reach out of its jurisdiction for help, appealing to a higher authority in order to find your comfort.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Seeking help from a higher authority can provide comfort in challenging times.
Elizabeth Gilbert's quote suggests that when faced with the difficulties of the world, one may need to look beyond the immediate circumstances for support. This 'higher authority' can be interpreted as a spiritual belief, a philosophical perspective, or even community support that provides solace and guidance during tough times.
Themes
HelpComfortAuthorityChallengingWorld
In practice
Example use cases
During a public speech about mental health, you might use the quote to emphasize the importance of seeking help.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
All quotes →Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
Elizabeth GilbertRead
And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
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