#ding

...a novel, like a myth or any great work of art, can become an initiation that helps us to make a painful rite of passage from one phase of life, one state of mind, to another. A novel, like a myth, teaches us to see the world differently; it shows us how to look into our own hearts and to see our world from a perspective that goes beyond our own self-interest. ↗

— Karen Armstrong

#myth #novels #reading-books #art

When infuriated by an outrageous column, do not be suckered into responding with an abusive e-mail. Pundits so targeted thumb through these red-faced electronic missives with delight, saying 'Hah! Got to 'em.' ↗

— William Safire

#delight #e-mail #electronic #got #into

Prejudice and passion and suspicion are more dangerous than the incitement of self-interest or the most stubborn adherence to real differences of opinion regarding rights. ↗

— Elihu Root

#dangerous #differences #incitement #more #most

To admit authorities, however heavily furred and gowned, into our libraries and let them tell us how to read, what to read, what value to place upon what we read, is to destroy the spirit of freedom which is the breath of those sanctuaries. Everywhere else we may be bound by laws and conventions—there we have none. ↗

— Virginia Woolf

#inspirational #reading #freedom

The fifth gift is Hope. Through each passage and season, may you trust the goodness of life. ↗

— Charlene Costanzo

#character-building #goodness #hope #inspiration #inspirational

The seventh gift is Talent. May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world. ↗

— Charlene Costanzo

#blessing #character-building #inspiration #self-worth #talent

The sixth gift is Joy. May it keep your heart open and filled with light. ↗

— Charlene Costanzo

#character-building #heart #inspiration #joy #inspirational

The eleventh gift is Love. It will grow each time you give it away. ↗

— Charlene Costanzo

#character-building #inspiration #love #inspirational

There’s often a reason why people and dogs bite. It’s about self-protection. If we respect what we may not know about the suffering of others and look at them compassionately, we open the door that can lead to understanding. ↗

— Jennifer Skiff

#dogs #inspirational #self-protection #suffering #understanding

Books are so strong, you can break their spines and they will still stand for eternity. ↗

— Donald J. Bingle

#reading #writing #inspirational