Indeed it is possible to stand with one foot on the inevitable 'banana peel' of life with both eyes peering into the Great Beyond, and still be happy, comfortable, and serene - if we will even so much as smile.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that one can find happiness and serenity despite the uncertainties and challenges of life.
Douglas Fairbanks highlights the idea that life is inherently uncertain and filled with potential pitfalls, metaphorically represented by the 'banana peel.' However, he posits that even in the face of these inevitable challenges, we have the power to choose our mindset. By smiling and embracing a positive perspective, we can maintain a sense of happiness, comfort, and serenity.
In practice
In a motivational speech about resilience, one could use this quote to inspire the audience to maintain a positive outlook despite life's challenges.
The man who is gloomy, taciturn and lives in a world of doubt seldom achieves more than a bare living. There have been a few who have groaned their way through to a competence, but in proportion to that overwhelming number of souls who carry cheer through life, they are as nothing - mere drops in the bucket.
You have to start over. That's what they say. But life is not a board game, and losing a loved one is never really "starting over." More like "continuing without.
Too-lateness, I realized, has nothing to do with age. It’s a relation of self to the moment. Or not, depending on the person and the moment. Perhaps there even comes a time when it’s no longer too late for anything. Perhaps, even, most times are too early for most things, and most of life has to go by before it’s time for almost anything and too late for almost nothing. Nothing to lose, the present moment to gain, the integration with long-delayed Now.
Under the spreading chestnut tree The village smithy stands; The smith, a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hands; And the muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands. . . . He earns whate'er he can, And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man. . . . Toiling,-rejoicing,-sorrowing, Onward through life he goes; Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close; Something attempted, something done, Has earned a night's repose.
There is a certain unique and strange delight about walking down an empty street alone.
Life is a series of commas, not periods.
Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families.
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