The main thing about directing is: photograph the people's eyes.
John FordRead
Why, I hold fate Clasped in my fist, and could command the course Of time's eternal motion, hadst thou been One thought more steady than an ebbing sea.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the struggle of maintaining control over one's fate and emotions.
In this quote, John Ford illustrates a powerful sense of agency and control over destiny, suggesting that if the other person had been more steadfast in their emotions, the speaker could have commanded their fate like holding fate in their fist. It touches on the fragile nature of time and the impact of unwavering commitment in shaping life's direction.
Themes
FateControlEmotionsTimeDestiny
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech discussing the power of personal agency.
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The public interest requires doing today those things that men of intelligence and good will would wish, five or ten years hence, had been done.
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I was not sure I wanted to issue orders to life; I rather liked the Greek notion of allowing Chance to take a formative hand in my affairs.
Robertson DaviesRead
If you look at history you'll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power has fallen into the hands of some dabbler in philosophy or literary addict.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty; it is a blessing that must be earned before it can be enjoyed.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
I remember myself, age five, sitting on a porch overlooking a very muddy road. The day was rainy. I was wearing rubber boots, yellow - no, not yellow, green - and for all I know, I'm still there.
Joseph BrodskyRead