You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
Ketut, why is life all crazy like this?" I asked my medicine man the next day...So what can we do about the craziness of the world?" Nothing." Ketut laughed, but with a dose of kindness. "This is nature of world. This is destiny. Worry about your craziness only-make you in peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is inherently chaotic, and focusing on our own actions can bring peace.
This quote reflects the acceptance of life's unpredictability and encourages individuals to focus on their internal states rather than external chaos. Ketut, the medicine man, suggests that instead of trying to control or worry about the craziness of the world, one should prioritize personal peace and mindfulness.
Themes
LifeChaosAcceptancePeaceMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, one can use this quote to illustrate the importance of focusing on personal peace.
More from Elizabeth Gilbert
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I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
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When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
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And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
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But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
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