The Hidden Magic in a Quote
how quotes illustrate life
Art is not just about the end result, but about the many experiences and emotions that shape it.
Karen Michel
What’s your favorite quote? Why? I’d be hard-pressed to answer but there is one that has been a guiding light for me and proven true so often that I know the value that quotes contribute to and enrich our lives.
I’ve had a 60+ year fascination with quotes and a collection of quotes dating back to the 70s. The word illustration is from late Middle English meaning illumination; spiritual or intellectual enlightenment. To illuminate or illustrate is to help clarify or explain. And there it is…quotes illustrate our lives.
Happy? Sad? Confused? Unsure? Lonely? Lacking motivation, inspiration, confidence, love, hope, faith, insight, vision, or meaning? There’s a quote for that.
Quotes are wisdom sound bites. Most are three sentences or less. They endure, in part by being short and concise. As Marcus Tullius Cicero said around 35-40 BCE, “Brevity is a great charm of eloquence.” Here are three often quoted men born BCE. (Sorry, no quotes from BCE women exist.)
A contented mind is a hidden treasure. Pharoah Akhenaten ~1350BCE
Day by day, what you choose, what you think and what you do is who you become. Heraclitus 500 BCE
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Seneca. 4 BCE-65 CE
These quotes ring true today and offer us ageless wisdom. As a quote collector, I find it fascinating that you will also hear the same wisdom or knowledge shared again and again over centuries. Quotes speak of what we know but often forget. They can serve as motivation, a form of course correction, a spark of inspiration, or solace during a difficult time. Quotes make things make sense and can help you put things in perspective. A quote can become your guiding light. Reading it regularly can be like having your own cheerleading squad pepping you up and energizing your actions. A quote can help you see things differently or lead to better thinking or problem solving.
I have mentioned it before, but back in 1989 I tucked a quote into that whisper of space between the frame and mirror above my dresser so that I could see it every day. Several times a day actually since my “studio” was in the bedroom. It is the one that changed my life. It took me a while before I would, could, believe it. It became a part of my subconscious, always working in the background of my days. The subconscious is where our beliefs and values are stored. Using quotes to reprogram your subconscious is a form of positive reinforcement, leading to positive outcomes. I know this to be true based on the quote on my mirror~
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. Goethe
This quote is part of a longer passage explaining why and how it works, but I never knew that part at the time. Those two sentences empowered me to follow my heart, my art heart, or, as Kierkegaard said, “To be that self which one truly is.”
The quote eventually led me to self-publish a bestseller book of 100 illustrated quotes in 2013. It was made possible by the generosity and talent I found in the friendships and community that evolved from my bold actions. A major publisher acquired it and republished it with 130 quotes.
So I ask you again, what’s your favorite quote? Why? How has it guided, helped, or inspired you in your life? Do you want to find a quote? Google a word or concept plus the word quote. They are there, waiting for you.
I’d love it if you’d share a favorite quote. I have a huge collection but am always on the lookout for more wisdom. You never know when the need may arise.
No Quote of the Week this week.
Here's a quote I come back to time and again: "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul," stated by Dieter F. Uchtdorf who happens to be an elder in the Mormon Church. It's a reminder to me that even someone with whom I don't share a world view, there is always a possibility of common ground. One more favorite from Thomas Paine: "The world is my country; to do good is my religion." I sewed this into a quilt when my guild had a show themed "patriotism."
Lesley, you know my favorite quote, but I’ll share it here: “When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.” (Michael Bridges) For me this is a reminder to listen to my heart and take action. Two other favorites relate to authenticity: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” (Oscar Wilde) “Always remember that you’re unique, just like everybody else.” (Margaret Meade)