Thus Carol hit upon the tragedy of old age, which is not that it is less vigorous than youth, but that it is not needed by youth.
Interpretation
The tragedy of aging lies in the realization that the elderly are often disregarded by the youth who once needed them.
This quote by Sinclair Lewis reflects on the poignant reality of aging, suggesting that while older individuals may possess wisdom and experience, they often feel marginalized by a society that prioritizes youth. The tragedy is not merely in the decline of vigor but in the loss of relevance, as the younger generation may overlook the value that the elderly can bring based on their past contributions and insights.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the value of intergenerational relationships.
Upon this theology he rarely pondered. The kernel of his practical religion was that it was respectable, and beneficial to one's business, to be seen going to services; that the church kept the Worst Elements from being still worse; and that the pastor's sermons, however dull they might seem at the time of taking, yet had a voodooistic power which 'did a fellow good-- kept him in touch with Higher Things.
Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country.
Writers kid themselves-about themselves and other people. Take the talk about writing methods. Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type with your toes-it is just work.
She did her work with the thoroughness of a mind which reveres details and never quite understands them.
Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes-it's still just work.
It is, I think, an error to believe that there is any need of religion to make life seem worth living.
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.
We are fascinated, all of us, by the implacable otherness of others. And we wish to penetrate by hypothesis, by daydream, by scientific investigation those leaden walls that encase the human spirit, that define it and guard it and hold it forever inaccessible.
One must live to build one's house, and not build one's house to live in.
The art of being a slave is to rule one's master.
Your world is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind.
His words even imply that philanthropy has deeper depths than is generally realized. The great emotions of compassion and mercy are traced to Him; there is more to human deeds than the doers are aware. He identified every act of kindness as an expression of sympathy with Himself. All kindnesses are either done explicitly or implicitly in His name, or they are refused explicitly or implicitly in His name.
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