Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
Stephen KingRead
We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why. Not until the future eats the present, anyway. We know when it's too late.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our impact on others is often unknowable until much later, highlighting the importance of our actions in the present.
This quote by Stephen King reflects the idea that our actions and words can significantly influence others' lives, even if we are unaware of it at the time. It suggests that the effects of our influence may only be realized in the future, and often we recognize the consequences only when it's too late to change them, emphasizing the need to be mindful of how we interact with those around us.
Themes
InfluenceImpactAwarenessPresentFuture
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a graduation ceremony might use this quote to inspire students about the importance of their future actions.
More from Stephen King
All quotes →Eddie discovered one of his childhood's great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.
Stephen KingRead
Hairstyles change, and skirt lengths, and slang, but high school administrations? Never.
Stephen KingRead
Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.
Stephen KingRead
That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.
Stephen KingRead
Late last night and the night before, tommyknockers, tommyknockers knocking on my door. I wanna go out, don't know if I can 'cuz I'm so afraid of the tommyknocker man.
Stephen KingRead
Similar quotes
The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.
SolomonRead
Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back, for he is like a pitcher of poison with milk on top.
ChanakyaRead
The Past: Our cradle, not our prison; there is danger as well as appeal in its glamour. The past is for inspiration, not imitation, for continuation, not repetition.
Israel ZangwillRead
Sri Yukteswar showed no special consideration to those who happened to be powerful or accomplished; neither did he slight others for their poverty or illiteracy. He would listen respectfully to words of truth from a child, and openly ignore a conceited pundit.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
FAITH is the only agency through which the cosmic force of Infinite Intelligence can be harnessed and used by man.
Napoleon HillRead
If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory.
Henry BlackabyRead