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The mystery of human destiny is that we are fated, but that we have the freedom to fulfill or not fulfill our fate: realization of our fated destiny depends on us. While inhuman beings like the cockroach realize the entire cycle without going astray because they make no choices.
Clarice Lispector
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Human destiny involves both fate and free will, with individuals having the power to shape their own outcomes.

This quote emphasizes the dual nature of human existence: while we may be destined to follow a certain path, the choices we make determine whether we embrace or deviate from that destiny. In contrast, other beings, like cockroaches, intuitively fulfill their roles without the burden of choice, highlighting the uniqueness of human capability for self-determination.

Themes

DestinyFateFree WillChoicesHumanityRealization

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a motivational speech to inspire people to take control of their lives.

More from Clarice Lispector

So long as I have questions to which there are no answers, I shall go on writing.
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A horse is freedom so indominable that it becomes useless to imprison it to serve man: it lets itself be domesticated, but with a simple, rebellious toss of the head-shaking its mane like an abundance of free-flowing hair-it shows that its inner nature is always wild, translucent and free.
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Love is now, is always. All that is missing is the coup de grâce- which is called passion.
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I work only with lost and founds.
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Ela acreditava em anjo e, porque acreditava, eles existiam" | "She believed in angels, and, because she believed, they existed
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I write and that way rid myself of me and then at last I can rest.
Clarice LispectorRead

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