#erm

To know who I am is a species of knowing where I stand. My identity is defined by the commitments and identifications which provide the frame or horizon within which I can try to determine from case to case what is good, or valuable, or what ought to be done, or what I endorse or oppose. In other words, it is the horizon within which I am capable of taking a stand. ↗

— Charles Taylor

#self #self-identity #self-determination

There is no sin unless through a man's own will, and hence the reward when we do right things also of our own will." (Against Fortunatus) ↗

— Augustine of Hippo

#salvation #self-determination #sin #self-determination

Someone who is determinedly trying to show God how good he or she is is likely to become an insufferable prig. ↗

— N.T. Wright

#grace #self-righteousness #self-determination

Now that you're an adult, you might still feel a pang of guilt when you decline a dinner invitation in favor of a good book. Or maybe you like to eat alone in restaurants and could do without the pitying looks from fellow diners. Or you're told that you're "in your head too much", a phrase that's often deployed against the quiet and cerebral. Or maybe there's another word for such people: thinkers. ↗

— Susan Cain

#extroverts #introverts #persona #personality #power

For anyone inclined to caricature environmental history as 'environmental determinism,' the contrasting histories of the Dominican Republic and Haiti provide a useful antidote. Yes, environmental problems do constrain human societies, but the societies' responses also make a difference. ↗

— Jared Diamond

#environment #environmental-determinism #history #societies #environmentalism

A mother who would stop at nothing for her child is dangerous woman when crossed. ↗

— Solange nicole

#determination #love #mother-s-love #motherhood #solange

Vintage books, old china, antiques; maybe I love old things so much because I feel impermanent myself. ↗

— Josh Lanyon

#introspection #love

Well," Mr. Cheeseman interjected. "Perhaps there's an easy solution to this. Maybe Captain Fabulous has an alter ego." "What's an alter ego?" asked Gerard. "It's a superhero's true but secret identity," said Chip. "You know, the way that Superman is really Clark Kent." "Superman is really Clark Kent?" "It's pretty obvious," said Penny. "To everyone but you and Lois Lane." "Okay," Gerard conceded. "Captain Fabulous's alter ego will be...Teddy Roosevelt. ↗

— Cuthbert Soup

#clark-kent #funny #lois-lane #names #superhero

What you perceive as a failure today may actually be a crucial step towards the success you seek. Never give up. ↗

— Richelle E. Goodrich

#drive #failure #perseverance #richelle #richelle-goodrich

It’s true—there are only, like, two songs about rainbows, including that one. He should be asking why there are so few songs about rainbows. ↗

— Cheryl Cory

#funny #humor #kermit #muppets #music