How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience would have achieved success.
Elbert HubbardRead
Forbid a man to think for himself or to act for himself and you may add the joy of piracy and the zest of smuggling to his life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that withholding independent thought and action can lead to a life of rebellion and excitement.
Elbert Hubbard's quote emphasizes the importance of individual thought and action, positing that when people are denied the freedom to think and act for themselves, it can lead to a longing for freedom expressed through rebellious acts. The reference to piracy and smuggling highlights the thrill associated with breaking away from societal norms and expectations, suggesting that autonomy is intertwined with a sense of adventure and fulfillment.
Themes
IndependenceRebellionFreedomThoughtAction
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of critical thinking in education.
More from Elbert Hubbard
All quotes βThe mintage of wisdom is to know that rest is rust, and that real life is love, laughter, and work.
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Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal.
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He has achieved success who has worked well, laughed often, and loved much.
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Truth, in its struggles for recognition, passes through four distinct stages. First, we say it is damnable, dangerous, disorderly, and will surely disrupt society. Second, we declare it is heretical, infidelic and contrary to the Bible. Third, we say it is really a matter of no importance either one way or the other. Fourth, we aver that we have always upheld it and believed it.
Elbert HubbardRead
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