"Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them."
This quote emphasizes that words, despite being seemingly harmless and powerless on their own, can hold immense influence when wielded skillfully by someone who understands their combination and impact. The right choice and arrangement of words can lead to positive outcomes, such as fostering understanding, inspiring change, or creating beauty. Conversely, when used improperly, they can cause harm, mislead, or incite negativity. Thus, the quote underscores the importance of careful communication, especially in a world that increasingly relies on words to shape opinions and influence actions.
"We can never judge the lives of others, because each life is many lives, each person is a multitude."
This quote by Laura Riding emphasizes the complexity and diversity that characterize every individual's life journey. It suggests that each person embodies multiple facets and experiences, making it impossible for others to fully understand or make judgments about their lives, as outsiders may not be privy to all aspects of their existence. Essentially, she underscores the idea that every human being is unique and multidimensional, requiring empathy and understanding rather than judgment or oversimplification.
"The greatest part of a writer's happiness lies in the discipline of his creation."
This quote by Laura Riding suggests that a significant source of a writer's joy comes from the self-imposed rules and routines they follow during the process of creating their work. The 'discipline of creation' refers to the dedication, focus, and consistency required to transform ideas into meaningful written expressions. This discipline not only brings about the final product but also contributes to the writer's overall contentment, as it allows them to shape their thoughts and imagination in a purposeful and fulfilling manner.
"Thought is the wind: it takes its color from the sky."
This quote suggests that thoughts, like wind, are intangible and invisible, yet powerful. Just as wind takes on the color of the sky (invisible but with a visible effect), thoughts reflect our environment and experiences (color representing ideas, emotions, or beliefs). In other words, thoughts can be seen as a reflection of one's perspective or state of mind, adapting to the situation or surroundings.
"Life is not a series of scattered occasions, but one great moment in which everything else takes place."
This quote suggests that life should be viewed as a continuous, interconnected whole rather than a collection of isolated events or moments. It implies that each experience we have contributes to the greater narrative of our lives, and that every aspect of our existence is intimately related. This perspective invites us to find meaning and significance in the totality of life's experiences, as opposed to merely focusing on individual incidents. In essence, it encourages us to understand and appreciate our lives in a holistic manner.
I feel an intense intimacy with those who have this loathing interest in me. Further than this, I know what they mean, I sympathize with them, I understand them. There should be a name (as poetic as love) for this relationship between loather and loathed; it is of the closest and more full of passion than incest.
- Laura Riding
Because most people are not sufficiently employed in themselves, they run about loose, hungering for employment, and satisfy themselves in various supererogatory occupations. The easiest of these occupations, which have all to do with making things already made, is the making of people: it is called the art of friendship.
- Laura Riding
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