3 Powerful Quotes To Live By, A Review Of My Favourites
Words are powerful because they can bind you to concepts. Those in control know of its potency and have long-developed methods to utilise it.
Of course, words can be a force for good.
Gathered together in decent order, they can create something inspiring.
And it is that junction at which we meet today because I want to share three of my favourite, most powerful quotes that have always served to inspire.
This post contains speculation and personal opinion. It may also contain adult comedy and sarcasm. It is not advice and is solely for entertainment and informational purposes.
#1 – “If there is no wind, row”
“If there is no wind, row” is said to be a Latin proverb.
I discovered this proverb a few years back and it resonates with me. The quote embodies my attitude towards life.
It’s a great quote to read when trying to motivate yourself, or when trying to avoid procrastination.
We often wait for the happystance we want, but this proverb encourages us to do more than wait; to row.
I love the simplicity and beauty it offers in its call for resilience.
The idea of the water on which we float, and the oar that we might use to make progress should fair winds fail us.
This quote charges us to take ownership and to create what we desire.
#2 – “For I am persuaded…” Romans 8, 38-39 (KJV)
38: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,“
39: “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The Bible has had a considerable influence on my life; in my writing and my living.
Growing up in a deeply religious family, it represented the divine word of God and as a result, I have read King James’ version countless times.
It’s hard to put into words just how powerful the book is, but I guess I don’t have to because history illustrates it well.
However, I’m not here to talk about the religion itself, I’m here to discuss the literature, which must be considered one of the most fantastic creations ever printed to page.
The concepts are vivid and encapsulating and the majesty threaded throughout is awe-inspiring.
If I had to quote one piece from the Bible it would be this, “For I am persuaded…”.
In my head, a strong voice recites the verse as if in a chant. A rolling thunder emanates with every word before a comma.
And the voice becomes more resolute with the naming of each opposing force which might seek to cause a separation.
To me, it represents a resolution one has settled on. It is a Call To Arms. A belief that will hold steadfast beyond any pressure this world might apply.
“Christ Jesus our Lord”, represents all that is good within. It is the light with which I hope to abide.
It represents the best that I hope to be, failing as often as I might.
It is a belief that when all is said and done, there is an unbreakable connection between us and that light.
#3 – “You Shall Not Pass!” The Lord of the Rings
“You Shall Not Pass!” is from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Since we’re talking about the Bible and since I’m a huge fan of these movies, I had to go with this quote.
Here is the entire clip [YouTube] which is worth watching again.
The Lord of the Rings often feels like a live-action version of the Bible and this scene is saturated (in my view) with allegory and esoteric symbolism.
It even seems to follow biblical principles, such as when Gandalf first warns the demon Balrog:
“I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor…”
In the Bible, it might be seen as declaring your god to your enemy or identifying yourself to your foe, -symbolising that there is more than just mere flesh standing before them.
In 1 Samuel 17, 45 (KJV), David says, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts…”.
To me, this scene is representative of when a negative element is pursuing/interfering with our lives and signifies the moment we turn around to confront it.
When in our final despair we draw a line in the sand and declare, “You shall not pass”, –“You shall not come any further”.
It’s a pivotal moment that often comes at a cost, and when Gandalf is caught by Balrog’s whip and falls, he makes his payment.
The Phoenix burns.
He later reemerges as Gandalf The White.
Powerful Quotes To Live By, Got Any?
The way we use words has always fascinated me. One simple sentence has the power to transform an entire life.
I have always used them to motivate a fresh start or to fuel resilience; building frameworks of substance, often based on inspirational words written long before my time.
All that said, I also enjoy some not-so-optimistic quotes like, “Not my circus, not my monkeys” (the Polish proverb).
But before I begin my journey towards digression, I will end it there!
Before you go, if you’ve got a quote you’d like to share, please feel free to do so in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!
Note: I haven’t translated any of these quotes from their original sources and take them at face value.
Copyright: oldcynic.com
Crown copyright owns the Bible UK (according to Wiki) – Review/Fairuse
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is owned by New Line Cinema – Review/Fairuse
Really like your first one and the meaning, LOTR has given colour throughout my live and i’ve used that same quote quite a few times🙂. I have this one : ‘when chaos comes, be the Ent. Cause they’re grounded, take their time to make decisions but kick ass when the need arises.😁.
Another one i like is: ‘before you judge someone, walk a Mile in their shoes. That way you’re a Mile away and you have their shoes’😁
Thx for sharing cynic!
The LOTR movies are epic and that is such a powerful moment.
‘before you judge someone, walk a Mile in their shoes. That way you’re a Mile away and you have their shoes’ lol ~ Great quotes! Thank you, Duende!
Great quotes. We miss you at E&P.
🙂 Thank you, Dean!
I enjoyed reading your quotes! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for reading!
Very nice. I love your words and interpretations. One of the things I try to live by and have learned through my 2nd marriage of 32 years is: “Learn to respect people’s differences!”
So many stand in judgement of others and I wish they would learn and try to practice this. Miss you in Empires and Puzzles! Thanks for sharing. “We live on through the memories of others.” Talk nicely of others and loved ones.
Thank you Leslie. I agree with your quotes, especially learning to respect differences (congrats on the 32 years!). I still play E&P and hope to write something again soon. Thank you for reading!
I came for the Soul Exchange, I stayed for the soulful wisdom. Thanks for getting me thinking on a Monday.
Thank you David! I appreciate it.
I loved your first post and consciously try to follow that tenet. As for the second, I admire your firm belief but don’t share it. Lord of the Rings was a fabulous read… I had aspirations to be a Hobbit and love the way they live(d) in their community🙂
Thank you Karen! Those Hobbits make living like Teletubbies, while smoking pipes, seem very cool.
“In silence there is music; listen and you’ll hear.” — This one I heard from my dad. Not sure where he got it but it stuck with me. I like the paradox especially in today’s hustling and bustling world.
Thank you for sharing, I like that.