We wait till now? Now, when we're old men, we get to be brave?
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the hesitation to act bravely until it's too late in life.
Ernest Gaines highlights the regret of waiting until old age to embrace bravery. It serves as a poignant reminder that opportunities for courage and action should not be postponed, as life is fleeting, and waiting for the 'right' moment can lead to missed chances and unfulfilled potential.
In practice
In a motivational speech encouraging young people to take risks.
I was raised by a lady that was crippled all her life but she did everything for me and she raised me. She washed our clothes, cooked our food, she did everything for us. I don't think I ever heard her complain a day in her life. She taught me responsibility towards my brother and sisters and the community.
...my heart may have been in it but my soul was not.
Everything's been said, but it needs saying again.
Question everything. Every stripe, every star, every word spoken. Everything.
The Six Golden Rules of Writing: Read, read, read, and write, write, write.
Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?
We're comfortable with women in certain roles but not comfortable with women expressing anger or fully accepting their power. The most daring question a woman can ask is, 'What do I want?'
Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
You see, all that I ever held dear has been taken from me," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "And when you've lost everything-" Her facade began to crumble, and her voice broke, but she made herself carry on. "When you've lost everything, you've got nothing to lose.
Anyone can see the adversity in a difficult situation, but it takes a stronger person to see the opportunity.
Whoever starts out toward the unknown must consent to venture alone.
Because of the lingering discrimination, many women still lack confidence. They live in fear of stepping beyond what they feel is acceptable 'female' behavior. I can remember feeling that I wasn't 'normal' because I was aggressive, had dreams and goals, and wanted do do great things...I am glad now that I found courage to do something radical and chase my dreams.
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