What is worse than having no sight is being able to see but having no vision.
God doesn't promise security from life's storms but security in life's storms. God doesn't always call the equipped, but he will always equip the called. In the long run, avoiding danger is no safer than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that while challenges in life are inevitable, we can find strength and support during tough times.
Helen Keller's quote reflects the idea that life is inherently filled with hardships and uncertainties, and rather than seeking an unrealistic promise of safety from these challenges, we should focus on finding security within ourselves and through our faith. Furthermore, she highlights that those who are called to a purpose might not initially feel prepared, yet they will be equipped for the journey. Ultimately, both fear and bravery have their own risks, suggesting that embracing challenges is often a more fruitful approach than avoiding them.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about facing life's challenges, this quote could inspire the audience to embrace their fears.
More from Helen Keller
All quotes →What could be worse than being born without sight? Being born with sight and no vision.
Knowledge is power." Rather, knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge - broad, deep knowledge - is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low. To know the thoughts and deeds that have marked man's progress is to feel the great heart-throbs of humanity through the centuries; and if one does not feel in these pulsations a heavenward striving, one must indeed be deaf to the harmonies of life.
Be not dumb, obedient slaves in an army of destruction. Be heroes in an army of construction.
Our beloved ones have not 'gone to a far country.' It is only the veil of sense that separates them from us, and even that veil grows thin when our thoughts reach out to them.
It's wonderful to climb the liquid mountains of the sky. Behind me and before me is God and I have no fears.
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Examine your own hearts. Do you see there any habit or custom which you know is wrong in the sight of God? If you do, don't delay for a moment in attacking it. Resolve at once to lay it aside. Nothing darkens the eyes of the mind so much, and deadens the conscience so surely, as an allowed sin. It may be a little one, but it is not any less dangerous.
Beware how you trifle with your marvelous inheritance, this great land of ordered liberty, for if we stumble and fall, freedom and civilization everywhere will go down in ruin.
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
It's rare to find a consistently creative or insightful person who is also an angry person. They can't occupy the same space, and if your anger moves in, generosity and creativity often move out. It's difficult to use revenge or animus to fuel great work.