I tried to think of my knowledge, but it was a squirrel's heap of winter nuts. There was no strength in my knowledge any more and I felt small and naked as a new-hatched bird.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
It is forbidden to go east, but I have gone, forbidden to go on the great river, but I am there. Open your hearts, you spirits, and hear my song.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the bravery of defying rules and following one's own path, inviting others to embrace this spirit of freedom.
In this quote, Stephen Vincent Benet highlights the theme of courage and rebellion against restrictions. The speaker acknowledges that they have ventured into forbidden territories, both literally and metaphorically, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from embracing one's desires and breaking free from societal constraints. The call to 'open your hearts' emphasizes the need for openness and acceptance of individuality, inviting others to join in the pursuit of personal truth and self-expression.
Themes
CourageFreedomRebellionSelf-ExpressionIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about taking risks in life, this quote could inspire others to pursue their passions.
More from Stephen Vincent Benet
All quotes βGrant us brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years - a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
Our fathers and ourselves sowed dragon's teeth. Our children know and suffer the armed men.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
You can't depend on the kind of folks people think they are - you've got to go by what they do. And I wouldn't give much for a man that some folks hadn't thought was a fool, in his time.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
Go play with the towns you have built of blocks, The towns where you would have bound me! I sleep in my earth like a tired fox, And my bufdfalo have found me.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
We can no longer take our own way of life for granted - we know that it may be challenged. And we know this, too - and know it ever more deeply - we know that freedom and democracy are not just big words mouthed by orators but the rain and the wind and the sun, the air and the light by which we breathe and live.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
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I'm afraid to walk in public, because people look at me. But I'm not going to stop. I'm afraid because if I want to commune with my friend Shad (Meier), I have to ask him to cut my chicken for me. But I did it. And I'm afraid to go back and see my teammates and coaches because I know that I'll feel envy. But I'm going to do it anyway. Because fear is just a feeling, and if you can acknowledge that fear, digest that fear and overcome it, the rewards are incredible.
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