There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
Interpretation
The quote suggests that true self-awareness comes from pushing beyond one's limits and facing challenges.
T. S. Eliot's quote emphasizes the idea that personal growth and understanding one's own capabilities arise from taking risks and navigating difficult situations. When individuals venture beyond their comfort zones, they discover their strengths and limitations, ultimately gaining insight into their true potential. It encourages embracing challenges and uncertainties as essential components of self-discovery and growth.
In practice
In a motivational speech about taking risks in life.
There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be; Am an attendant lord, one that will do To swell a progress, start a scene or two, Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool, Deferential, glad to be of use, Politic, cautious, and meticulous; Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; At times, indeed, almost ridiculous— Almost, at times, the Fool.
Simplicity is the key to brilliance.
You can never solve a financial problem with money. The only way for you to have a larger net worth is for you to go within to see why you are going without.
Why do they make things so complicated?" "So that those who have the responsibility for understanding can understand.," he said. "Imagine if everyone went around transforming lead into gold. Gold would lose its value." "It's those who are persistent, and willing to study things deeply, who achieve the Master Work.
My entire life consisted of musings, calculations, practical works, and trials. Many questions remain unanswered; many works are incomplete or unpublished. The most important things still lie ahead.
Every one should consider himself as intrusted not only with his own conduct, but with that of others; and as accountable, not only for the duties which he neglects, or the crimes that he commits, but for that negligence and irregularity which he may encourage or inculcate. Every man, in whatever station, has, or endeavours to have his followers, admirers, and imitators, and has therefore the influence of his example to watch with care.
I think humility - which I think is a very good value to adopt - is basically an extension of understanding your own ignorance.
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