Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
It was for one minute that I saw him, but the hair stood upon my head like quills. Sir, if that was my master, why had he a mask upon his face?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the mystery and duality of identity, raising questions about appearances versus reality.
In this quote, the speaker describes a fleeting encounter that left a profound impact, evoking a visceral reaction. The mention of a 'mask' suggests themes of hidden identities and the complexity of one's true self versus their outward presentation. It invites contemplation on why individuals might conceal who they truly are, echoing broader existential questions about the nature of reality and perception.
Themes
IdentityMaskPerceptionRealityMystery
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of authenticity, one might use this quote to highlight how people often hide their true selves.
More from Robert Louis Stevenson
All quotes →Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
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That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
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His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.
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The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
It is the history of our kindnesses that alone make this world tolerable. If it were not for that, for the effect of kind words, kind looks, kind letters . . . I should be inclined to think our life a practical jest in the worst possible spirit.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
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