When we lose our myths we lose our place in the universe.
Interpretation
Myths help us understand our existence and purpose in life; without them, we feel lost.
This quote by Madeleine L'Engle emphasizes the importance of myths and storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. Myths serve as guiding narratives that provide meaning and context to our experiences; losing these narratives can leave individuals feeling disconnected from themselves and the universe around them.
In practice
This quote could be used during a discussion on the importance of cultural narratives in education.
Truth is what is true, and it's not necessarily factual. Truth and fact are not the same thing. Truth does not contradict or deny facts, but it goes through and beyond facts. This is something that it is very difficult for some people to understand. Truth can be dangerous.
George MacDonald gives me renewed strength during times of trouble--times when I have seen people tempted to deny God--when he says, "The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like his.
If you don't recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.
I never want to lose the story-loving child within me, or the adolescent, or the young woman, or the middle-aged one, because all together they help me to be fully alive on this journey, and show me that I must be willing to go where it takes me, even through the valley of the shadow.
The minute we begin to think we have all the answers, we forget the questions.
When we believe in the impossible, it becomes possible, and we can do all kinds of extraordinary things.
We both believe, and disbelieve a hundred times an hour, which keeps believing nimble.
One cannot use an evil action with reference to a good intention.
Opinions are formed in a process of open discussion and public debate, and where no opportunity for the forming of opinions exists, there may be moods -moods of the masses and moods of individuals, the latter no less fickle and unreliable than the former -but no opinion.
I'm about looking at each of those perceived menacing black men that you see in the streets all over the place, people that you oftentimes will walk past without assuming that they have the same humanity, fears that we all do.
When the first living thing existed, I was there waiting. When the last living thing dies, my job will be finished. I'll put the chairs on the tables, turn out the lights and lock the universe behind me when I leave.
I can't think of a more wonderful thanksgiving for the life I've had than that everyone should be jolly at my funeral.
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