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In a time of sceptic moths and cynic rusts, And fattened lives that of their sweetness tire In a world of flying loves and fading lusts, It is something to be sure of a desire. Lo, blessed are our ears for they have heard; Yea, blessed are our eyes for they have seen: Let the thunder break on man and beast and bird And the lightning. It is something to have been.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton#179

FaithExperienceBlessingCynicismDesireEndurancePurpose

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About this quote

What does it mean?
In a world filled with cynicism, tired lives, and fleeting passions, having a clear desire is a blessing. Being able to witness and endure is valuable even amidst chaos.
In plain terms
In a cynical world, having a clear desire and seeing the world is a blessing.
What can you take from it?
Clarity of purpose is rare and valuable in confusing times.

Where it applies

  • times of moral confusion
  • personal crisis
  • existential search

Putting it to work

  • cultivate clear desires
  • practice mindful observation
  • value experience

Questions to consider

  • What gives you certainty in uncertain times?
  • Is it better to feel nothing or to endure pain?

Another view

Certainty can sometimes lead to dogmatism rather than wisdom.

More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton

  1. It is all as of old, the empty clangour, The NOTHING scrawled on a five-foot page, The huckster who, mocking holy anger, Painfully paints his face with rage. :…

    Permalink to quote #178

  2. It is something to have wept as we have wept, It is something to have done as we have done, It is something to have watched when all men slept, And seen the st…

    Permalink to quote #180

  3. For we that fight till the world is free, We are not easy in victory: We have known each other too long, my brother, And fought each other, the world and we.

    Permalink to quote #177

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