The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one's self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.
Interpretation
Trusting in oneself and personal growth is more valuable than relying on empty promises from the world.
In this quote, Michelangelo emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and personal development over the unreliable promises that life may present. He suggests that true worth and value come from within, and that investing in oneself leads to a safer and more fulfilling path in life.
In practice
In a motivational speech about self-improvement and personal development, this quote could inspire listeners to trust in their abilities.
The art of creation lies in the gift of perceiving the particular and generalizing it, thus creating the particular again. It is therefore a powerful transforming force and a generator of creative solutions in relation to a given problem.
The best artist has that thought alone Which is contained within the marble shell; The sculptor's hand can only break the spell To free the figures slumbering in the stone.
Art lives on constraint and dies of freedom.
If it be true that any beautiful thing raises the pure and just desire of man from earth to God, the eternal fount of all, such I believe my love.
Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.
There is an angel imprisoned in it and I must set it free.
The heart surrenders everything to the moment. The mind judges and holds back.
Mindfulness is attentiveness, moment to moment. What's happening right now and what's coming up in me in response to what's happening right now. Importantly, this is in the service of being able to choose wisely so that I avoid complicating my own life and the lives of others.
If we are all alive ten years hence, let's meet, and see how many of us have got our wishes, or how much nearer we are then than now.
Don't be too assuming, it doesn't get you anywhere.
Do not, do not, do not books for ever hammer at people like perpetual bells? When, between two books, silent sky appears: be glad
Nine-tenths of the miseries and vices of mankind proceed from idleness.
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