While waiting for a Moses to lead us into the promised land, we have forgotten how to walk.
Interpretation
We often look for a savior or leader to guide us, forgetting the importance of self-reliance and personal action.
Wendell Johnson's quote highlights the tendency of people to wait passively for someone else to take charge and lead them to success or fulfillment, much like the biblical figure Moses leading the Israelites to the promised land. In doing so, they neglect to take initiative in their own lives, losing sight of their ability to walk their own paths and make progress independently.
In practice
In a speech about personal development, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of taking action.
The evangelical Christian faith I'd grown up with sustained me. It demanded that I refuse the drugs and alcohol on offer in our southwestern Ohio town, that I treat my friends and family kindly, and that I work hard in school. Most of all, when times were toughest, it gave me reason to hope.
Neglect of duty does not cease, by repetition, to be neglect of duty.
You have to remember something: Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn.
Keep the circus going inside you, keep it going, don't take anything too seriously, it'll all work out in the end.
It is best for the wise man not to seem wise.
The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.
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