Without heroes, we are all plain people and don't know how far we can go.
Bernard MalamudRead
What suffering has taught me is the uselessness of suffering.
Interpretation
Suffering can often teach us that enduring pain is ultimately unproductive.
The quote reflects the realization that suffering, while it may provide lessons or insights, ultimately serves no purpose. It suggests that the experience of pain may lead us to a deeper understanding of life, yet it is important to recognize the futility of allowing suffering to dominate our lives. Instead of seeking meaning in suffering, we can learn to move beyond it and focus on more constructive aspects of existence.
In practice
In a speech about resilience, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of moving past pain.
Without heroes, we are all plain people and don't know how far we can go.
The whole history of baseball has the quality of mythology.
It's one thing for a man not to know, not to have learned; it's another not to be able to live by what one does know.
The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.
Life is a tragedy full of joy.
Somewhere I put it this way: first drafts are for learning what oneβs fiction wants him to say. Revision works with that knowledge to enlarge and enhance an idea, to reform it. Revision is one of the exquisite pleasures of writing.
He possesses dominion over himself, and is happy, who can every day say, "I have lived." Tomorrow the heavenly father may either involve the world in dark clouds, or cheer it with clear sunshine, he will not, however, render ineffectual the things which have already taken place.
A pure hand needs no glove to cover it.
It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.
We must beat the iron while it is hot, but we may polish it at leisure.
By our pontifical assertions, our superior impatience, and our casual brushing aside of their curiosity, we do not encourage their inquiry, for we are rather apprehensive of what may be asked of us; we do not foster their discontent, for we ourselves have ceased to question.
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
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