But if our sex would but well consider and rationally ponder, they will perceive and find that it is neither words nor place that can advance them, but worth and merit.
Margaret CavendishRead
Not that I am ashamed of my mind or body, my birth or breeding, my actions or fortunes, for my bashfulness is in my nature, not for any crime.
Interpretation
The quote expresses acceptance of oneself and the natural disposition of shyness, highlighting that it is not tied to any wrongdoing.
Margaret Cavendish reflects on the nature of her bashfulness, emphasizing that it does not stem from any shame about herself or her circumstances. Instead, she embraces her personality traits and acknowledges that her shyness is an inherent part of who she is, unrelated to any perceived faults or societal judgments.
In practice
During a speech about mental health, someone might share this quote to explain the importance of self-acceptance.
But if our sex would but well consider and rationally ponder, they will perceive and find that it is neither words nor place that can advance them, but worth and merit.
Let us drink for the replenishment of our strength, not for our sorrow
Listening to people espouse beliefs different from mine is informative, not threatening, because the only thing that can alter my worldview is a new and undeniable truth, and contrary to what Jack Nicholson says in 'A Few Good Men', "I CAN handle the truth.
Let the human mind loose. It must be loose. It will be loose. Superstition and dogmatism cannot confine it.
It is easy to be independent when you've got money. But to be independent when you haven't got a thing, that's the Lord's test.
You can't spend your whole life criticizing something and then, when you have the chance to do it better, refuse to go near it.
While everyone else is thinking about economics and politics, executive salaries and the future of the euro, do the opposite, even if it's hard. Invest in the spirit.
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