#hers

What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not. ↗

— James Madison

#founding-fathers #not-an-apology #religious-freedom #freedom

If it weren’t for her setting me free, I may still be a caged bird today, holding my own daughter captive on a shit-laden perch. ↗

— Raquel Cepeda

#breaking-free #caged-bird #cycles #freedom #motherhood

She'll soon forget." "Caddy," said Saffron impatiently, "she is headmistress of the private school! She's probably never forgotten anything in her whole life! ↗

— Hilary McKay

#funny #teachers #family

I couldn't make myself imagine Dad holding some creamy-faced baby, cooing at it, telling it he loved it. Taking it to baseball games. Living some life he'd probably consider his 'real life,' the one he deserved rather than the one he got. ↗

— Jennifer Brown

#fathers-and-daughters #parents #imagination

Ónen i-estel edain, ú-chebin estel anim. (I gave Hope to the Dúnedain, I have kept none for myself.) (Gilraen's linnod) ↗

— J.R.R. Tolkien

#inspirational #others #inspirational

I just want to make sure Mama. Sometimes I don’t even know what I want. A lot of times I’m just tired.” Mama reached up and smoothed Liza’s curls away from her face. “Well darlin’, that’s the sign of a life being lived. I think we’re all tired when we’re giving it our best. ↗

— Gwenn Wright

#inspirational #life #moms #mothers #inspirational

The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served. ↗

— Gordon B. Hinckley

#service #volunteerism #life

The great teachers fill you up with hope and shower you with a thousand reasons to embrace all aspects of life. I wanted to follow Mr. Monte around for the rest of my life, learning everything he wished to share of impart, but I didn't know how to ask. ↗

— Pat Conroy

#life

I'm starting to think that maybe this world is just a place for us to learn we need each other more than we want to admit. ↗

— Richelle E. Goodrich

#helping-others #learning #life #meaning-of-life #need

In the end, those who demean others only disrespect themselves. ↗

— D.B. Harrop

#life-lessons #respecting-others #respecting-yourself #thoughts-on-life #life