From here on out, there's just reality. I think that's what maturity is: a stoic response to endless reality. But then, what do I know?
Interpretation
Maturity involves accepting the harshness of reality with a stoic attitude.
Carrie Fisher suggests that true maturity comes from recognizing and confronting reality without denial or escapism. This 'stoic response' implies resilience and acceptance, as one learns to navigate the complexities of life while given the inevitable challenges it presents, all while maintaining a sense of humility regarding one's understanding of life.
In practice
During a graduation speech to encourage students to face life head-on.
I trust myself. I trust my instincts. I know what I'm gonna do, what I can do, what I can't do. I've been through a lot, and I could go through more, but I hope I don't have to. But if I did, I'd be able to do it. I'm not going to enjoy dying, but there's not much prep for that.
Over time, I've paid attention, taken notes and forgotten easily half of everything I've gone through.
I went to a doctor and told him I felt normal on acid, that I was a light bulb in a world of moths. That is what the manic state is like.
There's a line I have that our family was designed more for public than for private. But there are definitely some things that are only mine. I am someone who dreams at night, and you don't know what I'm dreaming.
You know how most illnesses have symptoms you can recognize? Like fever, upset stomach, chills, whatever. Well, with manic depression, it's sexual promiscuity, excessive spending, and substance abuse - and that just sounds like a fantastic weekend in Vegas to me!
I am truly a product of Hollywood in-breeding. When two celebrities mate, someone like me is the result.
People live through such pain only once. Pain comes again—but it finds a tougher surface.
As victims of hurt, we frequently don't bring up what ails us, because so many wounds look absurd in the light of day.
Ah! realize your youth while you have it. Don’t squander the gold of your days, listening to the tedious, trying to improve the hopeless failure, or giving away your life to the ignorant, the common, and the vulgar. These are the sickly aims, the false ideals, of our age. Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.
Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.
I know now what he was trying to do, but Atticus was only a man. It takes a woman to do that kind of work.
Even the knowledge of my own fallibility cannot keep me from making mistakes. Only when I fall do I get up again.
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