I was reading a book last night and I came across a line which struck me like a thunderbolt. Few books and fewer writers have the power to shake you up. This particular book did that to me.
The book in question is Henry David Thoreau's widely-acclaimed classic, 'Walden'. The particular line that I am referring to here goes as follows:
'The mass of men lead dead lives of quiet desperation.'
Such a bitter naked truth and such waste of lives.
At this moment, I also recall a statement by the famous American writer, Ernest Hemingway:
'And how much better to die in all the happy period of disillusioned youth, to go out in a blaze of light, than to have your body worn out and old and illusions shattered.'
The first statement shows our lives as they are, the second one tells the way life ought to be.
Achievement and success are undoubtedly imperative but what is far more significant are our relentless efforts, our unshakable dreams, our inviolate spirit and our unflinching faith in ourselves.
So don't quit. No matter what, let the flickering flame of an abundant gratifying life keep burning inside you. Let not the turbulent winds of the wry weary world die them down.
Have the last laugh!
The book in question is Henry David Thoreau's widely-acclaimed classic, 'Walden'. The particular line that I am referring to here goes as follows:
'The mass of men lead dead lives of quiet desperation.'
Such a bitter naked truth and such waste of lives.
At this moment, I also recall a statement by the famous American writer, Ernest Hemingway:
'And how much better to die in all the happy period of disillusioned youth, to go out in a blaze of light, than to have your body worn out and old and illusions shattered.'
The first statement shows our lives as they are, the second one tells the way life ought to be.
Achievement and success are undoubtedly imperative but what is far more significant are our relentless efforts, our unshakable dreams, our inviolate spirit and our unflinching faith in ourselves.
So don't quit. No matter what, let the flickering flame of an abundant gratifying life keep burning inside you. Let not the turbulent winds of the wry weary world die them down.
Have the last laugh!
