Thank you, darling, for learning to play chess. It is an absolute necessity for any well organized family. (in a letter to his wife)
Interpretation
Chess symbolizes strategy and cooperation, essential for a well-functioning family.
In this quote, Pushkin expresses gratitude towards his wife for embracing the game of chess, highlighting how it serves as a metaphor for the importance of strategy, teamwork, and organization within a family. By learning chess, the family can foster skills like patience and collaboration, which are vital for maintaining harmony and structure in family life.
In practice
During a family gathering, this quote could be shared to highlight the significance of teamwork.
I loved you; even now I may confess, Some embers of my love their fire retain; But do not let it cause you more distress, I do not want to sadden you again. Hopeless and tongue tied, yet I loved you dearly With pangs the jealous and the timid know; So tenderly I loved you, so sincerely, I pray God grant another love you so.
I loved you: and, it may be, from my soul The former love has never gone away, But let it not recall to you my dole; I wish not sadden you in any way. I loved you silently, without hope, fully, In diffidence, in jealousy, in pain; I loved you so tenderly and truly, As let you else be loved by any man.
I have outlasted all desire, My dreams and I have grown apart; My grief alone is left entire, The gleamings of an empty heart. The storms of ruthless dispensation Have struck my flowery garland numb, I live in lonely desolation And wonder when my end will come. Thus on a naked tree-limb, blasted By tardy winter's whistling chill, A single leaf which has outlasted Its season will be trembling still.
My dreams, my dreams! What has become of their sweetness? What indeed has become of my youth?
I do not like Moscow life. You live here not as you want to live, but as old women want you to.
Thus people--so it seems to me-- Become good friends from sheer ennui.
When I was young, my brother David and I were farmed off to foster homes, and I spent time in orphanages. My father abandoned us. Here's the most important person in my life, and I never met him.
My mother seemed to undermine so much of what I did, subtly belittling my choices and my activities in light of her greater, more important ones.
It is a wise father that knows his own child.
Immigrant families have integrated themselves into our communities, establishing deep roots. Whenever they have settled, they have made lasting contributions to the economic vitality and diversity of our communities and our nation. Our economy depends on these hard-working, taxpaying workers. They have assisted America in its economic boom.
Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being.
The minute my child was born, I was reborn as a feminist. It's so incredible what women can do... birthing naturally, as most women do around the globe, is a superhuman act. You leave behind the comforts of being human and plunge back into being an animal.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.