I came across a quote this past week that I thought was interesting and valuable. Walph Waldo Emerson said, "The world belongs to the energetic." Here's my question to you: what do you think he meant by that? Was he referring to enthusiam? Persistence? Endurance? Action-orientation? I'd be curious to know what your take is on his quote. I am not sure what he meant, but will add in a comment in a few days to share my perspective of the quote.
Love you all, Dad
p.s. I am not sure the picture will show up...I am still a novice at this.
10 comments:
where did he write it?
I think Emily is taking a literature course this semester--she may be able to track down the history of the quote. My source...the event program for the TC Marathon. :-)
ha. i looked online for like fifteen minutes...no luck.
Okay, Mark, so now you have to think! Some might say that the world belongs to those who think...but that would be a diversion--and disrepectful to Emerson! Oh, think...then write! Love, Dad
hey i "think" it would've been nice to know what context this quote was in. :)
ok, i'm giving it a shot:
i think emerson was talking about man's ability to enjoy the fullness of life through his pursuits in life.
in the last couple of years this has been something i've really focused on. I think we all have the opportunity to experience the richest, most enjoyable elements of life, if we choose to pursue them - i think a lot of that pursuit is a result of the challenges we give ourselves, the focus we place on our goals & our daily attitudes.
1. i think its important to challenge ourselves - to really push ourselves energetically towards those things we wish to reach - i think one of the most essential elements of challenging ourselves is to see ourselves succeeding. we need to expect success in life, if we're willing to put in the effort.
2. i also think that life's sweet opportunities & rich rewards are much easier to obtain when we make goals & really strive to reach those goals. in creating goals, i think its important to focus on the steps we need to take to little-by-little reach those goals. and again, i think as we focus on those goals/priorities, its important to envision the happiness we are pursuing. people who show energetic qualities have BIG pursuits in life- i think the world does belong to people who are continually trying to be a little bit better the next day than they were the day before.
3. finally, i really, truly believe that when emerson stated that the world "belongs to the energetic" he was also referring to the importance of our daily attitudes- i believe SO strongly that our attitudes in life make such a HUGE impact on our daily interactions, our relationships, our willingness to show kindness towards others, our ability to show service, our abilities to grow individually, the opportunities available to us, and our overall enjoyment of the simplicities of life. I think maintaining a positive attitude when we can will influence so much of our life.
i love you all. thanks, dad, for the quote. i love it!!
Well, I couldn't find the source, but here is my understanding:
The energy he speaks of starts in the mind...in an intensity, focus, and zeal for life. So often I find myself mentally asleep during class or study, or even in other fun pursuits. And in this I miss out on alot of opportunties. Lucinda Matlock said this: "It takes life to love life." For those who love life, who seize the opportunities around them and are invigorated by them, I think this is true. Life passes by uneventful for those whose eyes are lazily closed.
That energy he speaks of, which starts within, becomes a part of every particular endeavor undertaken, expediting learning as well as accomplishment.
Well, I couldn't find the source, but here is my understanding:
The energy he speaks of starts in the mind...in an intensity, focus, and zeal for life. So often I find myself mentally asleep during class or study, or even in other fun pursuits. And in this I miss out on alot of opportunties. Lucinda Matlock said this: "It takes life to love life." For those who love life, who seize the opportunities around them and are invigorated by them, I think this is true. Life passes by uneventful for those whose eyes are lazily closed.
That energy he speaks of, which starts within, becomes a part of every particular endeavor undertaken, expediting learning as well as accomplishment.
Thanks Mark and Leanna. More entries are welcomed...here's my take...
1. I think enthusiam (the outward expression type) is part of it. My experience is that there is great value in approaching things with great enthusiam (not one of my natural traits)--as it energizes and motivates others.
2. More importantly, I think that being energetic is analagous to being active in a productive way. Most people are energetic in this fashion at some time in thier day or week--but perhaps not perpetually so. The difference and key, I think, is focus. As we firmly set our sights on a goal or achievement (not easily done--and perhaps the hardest part of the energy equation)--we develop natural and constant energy toward achieing the goals. Many people lack direction (vocationally, spirtually, etc.)--thus, they don't demonstrate a persistent energy toward an end (heck, why waste energy if you're not pursuing a useful pursose). So, as we develop a clear vision and focus on what we want to achieve--the energy will follow--an energy that is peculiar to most other people.
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