"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience."
This quote by George Edward Woodberry suggests that our essence is not physical or material, but rather spiritual or metaphysical. It implies that we are more than just biological entities living out our lives on Earth; we have a higher, non-physical nature. The human experience is simply the vehicle through which we express and explore this spiritual aspect of ourselves. This perspective encourages us to view life not only as a series of worldly accomplishments but also as an opportunity for personal growth and connection with something greater than ourselves.
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."
This quote by George Edward Woodberry suggests that the ultimate goal in life isn't just personal happiness, but rather finding purpose and value in one's actions. It emphasizes the importance of being useful (contributing to society), honorable (upholding moral principles), compassionate (caring for others), and living a meaningful life that impacts others positively. It implies that true fulfillment comes from making a difference, not just in one's own life, but in the lives of others as well.
"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the present, it isn't the size that matters, but the direction."
This quote by George Edward Woodberry suggests that life consists of a sequence of experiences, each one contributing to our personal growth and development. Even when these experiences seem difficult or challenging, they ultimately help us expand our horizons and gain wisdom. The emphasis here is not on the immediate size or scale of an experience, but rather its direction in fostering personal growth and moving us forward towards greater understanding and self-realization.
"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They know that inaction breeds doubt and fear. Movement breeds confidence and courage."
This quote emphasizes that success is linked with active participation, continuous progress, and momentum. It suggests that individuals who are constantly in motion gain confidence and courage due to their actions, while inactivity fosters uncertainty and fear. The message encourages people to take steps towards their goals rather than remaining static, as action fuels success.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
This quote emphasizes that success, particularly in the future, is often contingent on one's belief in the worthiness of their aspirations. In other words, having faith in one's dreams – whether they be personal or professional – is a key driver of achieving those dreams in the long run. It suggests that perseverance, determination, and optimism are crucial factors in shaping our destiny. The underlying message encourages individuals to hold on to their dreams, as it is those who believe in them who will ultimately shape the course of tomorrow.
Art has a double visage: it looks before and after. Romance is its forward-looking face. The germ of growth is in romanticism. Formalism, on the other hand, consolidates tradition; gleans what has been gained and makes it facile to the hand or the mind; economizes the energy of genius.
- George Edward Woodberry
From the beginning, about the rude altar of the god, to the days of Goethe, of Leopardi, and of Victor Hugo, the poet is the leader in the dance of life; and the phrase by which we name his singularity, the poetic temperament, denotes the primacy of that passion in his blood with which the frame of other men is less richly charged.
- George Edward Woodberry
The world is a multiplicity, a harvest-field, a battle-ground; and thence arises through human contact ways of numbering, or mathematics, ways of tillage, or agriculture, ways of fighting, or military tactics and strategy, and these are incorporated in individuals as habits of life.
- George Edward Woodberry
The language of literature is the language of all the world. It is necessary to divest ourselves at once of the notion of diversified vocal and grammatical speech which constitutes the various tongues of the Earth, and conceals the identity of image and logic in the minds of all men.
- George Edward Woodberry
One can re-create what was in the mind of a mathematician a thousand years ago, recapture the truth of the intellect wherever it may have once come to light; but the image of art, that infinite variable of perception and expression in the individual, - that is not easily re-created, at least, not with certainty and in its original fulness.
- George Edward Woodberry
The growth of art seems to be in cycles, and often its vigorous lifetime is restricted to a century or two. The periods of distinctive drama, Greek, English, Spanish, fall within such a limit; the schools of painting and sculpture likewise; and, in poetry, the Victorian age or the school of Pope will serve as examples.
- George Edward Woodberry
Art is expression; what is expressed is often the vision of a subtle and powerful soul, and also his experience with his vision; and however vivid and skilful he may be in the means of expression, yet it is frequently found that the master-spell in his work is something felt to be indefinable and inexpressible.
- George Edward Woodberry
Shakespeare is, essentially, the emanation of the Renaissance. The overflow of his fame on the Continent in later years was but the sequel of the flood of the Renaissance in Western Europe. He was the child of that great movement, and marks its height as it penetrated the North with civilization.
- George Edward Woodberry
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