To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore the external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse, that's quite a task
Etty HillesumRead
I think what weakens people most is fear of wasting their strength.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fear of wasting one's potential can hinder personal growth and strength.
Etty Hillesum's quote highlights how fear, especially the fear of utilizing one's abilities or strength, can be a detrimental force in a person's life. This fear can prevent individuals from taking action, pursuing their dreams, or developing their full potential, ultimately leading to stagnation and unfulfilled potential. By recognizing and overcoming this fear, individuals can empower themselves and embrace opportunities for growth and achievement.
Themes
FearStrengthPotentialGrowthCourage
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire people during motivational speeches or self-help workshops.
More from Etty Hillesum
All quotes βThinking gets you nowhere. It may be a fine and noble aid in academic studies, but you can't think your way out of emotional difficulties. That takes something altogether different. You have to make yourself passive then, and just listen. Re-establish contact with a slice of eternity.
Etty HillesumRead
The more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world.
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We have to fight them daily, lake fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies.
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Each of us must turn inward and destroy in himself all that he thinks he ought to destroy in others.
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I really see no other solution than to turn inwards and to root out all the rottenness there. I no longer believe that we can change anything in the world until we first change ourselves. And that seems to me the only lesson to be learned.
Etty HillesumRead
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