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.
Other people's lives come at us without a backstory most of the time. The present is like that.
Other people are quite dreadful. The only possible society is oneself.
Fear? What has a man to do with fear? Chance rules our lives, and the future is all unknown. Best live as we may, from day to day.
Human language can but imperfectly describe God's ways. I am sensible of the fact that they are indescribable and inscrutable. But if mortal man will dare to describe them, he has no better medium than his own inarticulate speech.
Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it.
It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn.
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