I find there to be profound wisdom in proverbs, sayings and quotes and I marvel at the way they are so succinct in communicating messages to the reader. Mostly anonymous, they come to us from past generations and from across cultures. They speak of the experiences of lives lived and lessons learned. Quotes, like proverbs, make us think more deeply about something.
Each Thursday, I post a Proverb or Saying and a quote that I find thought-provoking.
I hope you think so too.
The proverb this week contains a warning regarding ‘loose lips’ – at least that is the way I see it!
Do you have another interpretation?
Proverb of the Week:
Quote of the Week:
Miguel de Unamuno was a Spanish intellectual and writer, who thought that history could best be understood by looking at the small histories of anonymous people, rather than by focusing on major events such as wars and political pacts.
Life was tragic, according to Unamuno, because of the knowledge that we are to die. He explains much of human activity as an attempt to survive, in some form, after our death.
Unamuno: “Those who believe they believe in God, but without passion in the heart, without uncertainty, without doubt, and even at times without despair, believe only in the idea of God, and not in God himself.
Unamuno summarized his personal creed thus: “My religion is to seek for truth in life and for life in truth, even knowing that I shall not find them while I live.
What do you make of Miguel’s words?
When you are alone, is this where you really are yourself?
Or does the loneliness and quiet of solitude unsettle you?
Do you fear loneliness, will be a curse, as you age?
Join in the discussion, by leaving a comment of your thoughts
Something to Ponder About this Thursday
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Published by Forestwood
A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word.
Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, I enjoy photography and craft, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.
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Something to Ponder About 
Very nice sayings. The first one I think is that you should not be a parrot, and just give up things that someone has said. But I think that we should distinguish there …. “Quotes” and “Poetry” are often so apt, that one likes to quote … but I think that is not meant.
I’m a bit unsure about it, because I think it’s a good thing to think about someone’s words, and then feel them as good and use them.
Unamuno is certainly right. In solitude you have no distraction and plenty of time to find yourself. I also find small private stories better than great historical events. I only remembered in the history lessons things that had a personal touch, it is a simple approach.
Yes, and with solitude that is a strange thing. I have never felt lonely before, although I have always been much alone. I enjoy the time alone to work and to be undisturbed. I’ve had a lot of it in the past few years, because I’ve been working mostly 10 hours a day, despite family. But I was never lonely because I ate with the family in the evening, watched movies together, and I had my husband, who was lying next to me in bed and I could wake up with at the next morning. that makes the difference for me. If I have neither children nor a loved person around me for days, I feel sad and lonely.
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Hi Marvel and many thanks for your comment. I do think that the proverb is referring to malicious gossip more than quoting. Although you make an excellent point that we must be careful to confer the true meaning if using other people’s words. We might interpret words very differently from the way other do.
History is a favourite subject of mine, I think because it is exactly as you say – stories, and they are true stories so this makes them all the more fascinating. True stories and real people facing touch decisions. Do you like historical fiction?
Solitude can be a blessing and a curse. Sometimes one thinks too much, and we end up in an endless loop, going over things too much, becoming too introspective and we lose touch with reality and our imagination takes over. This is not so good, and we much get out and encounter new stimulus to arrest the imagination. The brain I think needs stimulation and that is why imagination can run away, sometimes. But if we are socially engaging enough, imaginations are kept in check. Helpful if writing fiction, but not altering our reality. In saying all this, I do value solitude. I am an introvert, so I need that down time to contemplate, reflect and analyse my social interactions. If there is no time at all to rest and reflect, I become very fatigued. On the other hand, I love family around me, and never tire of their company. They are the special individuals to which we relate the most. Without them, we can feel the pain of loneliness and it is can be felt as an intense pain in the chest. Not nice at all. I do think you have found a great balance from reading your comment. Thanks so much for posting. Have you come across Unanumo and his writing before?
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Hi Forestwoodfolk,
thank you for the excellent feedback, which was very revealing to me. Gossip and gossip are evil and you have to be very careful not to be fast. Sometimes there are comments, which are not meant to be evil, but are painful for the person concerned. You should always think of this.
I do not know exactly what historical fiction is. I like to read and love to watch movies, but I have not been able to do it in the last 10 years, because I have used up my time completely with my profession, my family and friendliness. I think my last cinemavisit is 6-8 years back …..: 0
I think you are doing it perfectly with solitude. You separate your imagination and reality. Stop your imagination when it gets burdensome by bringing new impulses out of reality. And for your need of love and affection, you have your family, but still a lot of time alone for your own … did I understand that correctly?
That sounds great,but with me it is unfortunately not like this. I have left my family, who could give me corporeal affections and I mix my imagination with reality. So I take all the things of my imagination as reality and move myself in a reality that carries a veil of my imagination.
This is not at all good …. No Unanumo tells me nothing, can you recommend something?
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I am new to Unamuno as well but Wikipedia has a bit if info if you wish to start reading more. Historical fiction is fantasy or made up stories that are based on real historical events. Like The book: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. It is a story based on the the real King Henry VIII of England.
Yes. I do try to stop mt imagination running wild. It can do to much damage to the true facts. AndI an sorry to hear that your family and you are no longer close. This may have been necessary for you for various reasons which to don’t wish to say. But please be careful and don’t isolate yourself for too long. This makes it harder to mix with people. It is not possible, in this world, to be too much of a recluse,unless you take the path toward depression and unhappiness. Are you doing okay?
Kind regards,
Amanda
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Thank you Amanda. I looked in Wikipedia “Unamuno”. What an very interessting, sympathic person ! A very impressive personality! Oh yes, I love historical novels, they are very captivating! I have also been following the book “The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.” on Google. It sounds interessting. But I had to break it off, because otherwise I would interpret everything too personal, as I mix up Fantasy and reality at the moment. Hmm and no I’m not doing very well at the moment. I have made many mistakes this year, as I did probably the last 20 years. Do not worry I will wangle this. I just have to learn to separate fantasy and reality, and to give boththeir time in my life. Say I need more time out there and must take longer breaks in work and internet.
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Making adequate time to rest and recuperate from the stresses of the workplace in vitally important. Taking it easy but keeping to a routine had always been helpful for me and my family when things have gotten really tough. You will wrangle this!! And there is a community on wordpress here when you need extra support!! Do you find writing helpful?
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thank you, yes I will be o.k. No at the moment writing is not usefull. I love writing, but not about me. So drawing is more relaxing at the moment, beacause it´s easier for me…
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Drawing is also very therapeutic. I love sketching or doodling. It taps into the other parts of one’s brain. Writing can be cathartic for me but drawing is relaxing!! Good luck Anie, in finding some peace. Keep in touch.
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Thank you, yes I definetely have to look for an app, because I really want to go outside some hours a day…this would be perfect…
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The belgian proverb is apt. There are some who like to validate their own views by framing it as if someone else had also expressed the same. That’s borrowing someone else’s mouth. Had it been “loan” to one? hmmm….
As for solitude, perhaps when no one else is around one can truly become oneself. Free the restraints of societal/peer pressure?
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