"And now I understand something so frightening, and wonderful — how the mind clings to the road it knows, rushing through crossroads, sticking like lint to the familiar."

Mary Oliver Literature See all quotes by Mary Oliver →

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“To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.”

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

“But also I say this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it’s done right, is a kind of holiness.”

“You want to cry aloud for your mistakes. But to tell the truth the world doesn't need any more of that sound.”

“I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.”

“I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.”

Resonant Thoughts

"I am a musician, not a psychologist or sociologist. If I can do that, anybody in here can do that. Take the time to sit down and talk with your adversaries. You will learn something and they will lear…"

— Daryl Davis

Music1958

#knowledge

"It makes no sense at all if people consider the one who lacks knowledge and science as a prosperous person."

— Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (A.S.)

Religion714–765

#knowledge

"Those who produce should have, but we know that those who produce the most — that is, those who work hardest, and at the most difficult and most menial tasks, have the least."

— Eugene V. Debs

Politics1855–1926

#knowledge

"Britain is blessed with a functioning political culture. It is dominated by people who live in London and who have often known each other since prep school. This makes it gossipy and often incestuous."

— David Brooks (journalist)

Literature1961

#knowledge