I have so many “favorite” quotations. Two of these quotations that
I find compatible to each other in their application to living are the
following:
“To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the
people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism
you can have.” – Theodore H. White, American political writer
(1915-1986)
“He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself
away.” – Raymond Hull, writer (1919-1985)
What these two writers had in mind when they made these statements
probably has very little, if anything, to do with the way I would apply
their statements to my own life. They were probably speaking in general,
and not about any specifics; therefore, these quotations have universal
appeal.
As for me, I must admit that it can indeed be difficult to have my
eyes opened to the cruelty and injustice in this world and know that
most people choose to brush aside, ignore, or deny reality. This
knowledge forces me to make a choice. If I choose to go along with the
world, pretending that there’s nothing wrong with something because
“that’s the way it’s always been done,” “it’s standard in the industry,”
etc., I will probably end up “whittling myself away.” But if,
peacefully, I choose to work and persevere in what is kind, good and
gentle, I will be true to myself.
Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a good plan to follow:
22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23. gentleness, self-control; against such things
there is no law.
~New American Standard Bible
