Famous Quotes

Laurent Grenier - A REASON FOR LIVING

Three inspirational quotes from the book A REASON FOR LIVING - The way to
fulfillment against great odds - A REASON FOR LIVING, by Laurent Grenier.

1. ". unhappy individuals. are naturally reluctant to fault themselves for their unhappiness, or have a tendency to cast the blame on whatever beings or things bear a relation to them. Fortunately, they often resist this tendency, as they recognize its perversity. Although life comes with many strings attached - many determining factors, internal or external - humans are not mere puppets in the hands of circumstances. They may suffer, but they have the power to react against their suffering, unless they are mentally and physically incapacitated in the extreme. The more they passively claim to be the victim of a bad situation, the more they are an undeclared accomplice to it, for lack of struggling to better it or make the best of it. They can take responsibility for their so-called fate, within limits that vary from one person to the next and change with time. As a rule, through persistent efforts, they can succeed in life - in such areas as health, work, love, and friendship."

2. "Everything considered, our existence pivots on a single fact: To gain wisdom, happiness, and nobility - which constitute a trinity of values that amount to one good as our fundamental purpose - we have to struggle for them. Life is a battle, and a tough one at that, against the numerous evils of the world; I vouch for the truth of this popular image. Yet, this image overstresses the outside evils, portrayed as enemies we combat, while the worst evil is a seducer inside us by the name of laziness, which loves easiness. The right way is a hard way. But then, a battle without struggle is a victory without glory. Pride is our prize."

3. "Through the years, I have met. remarkable persons, who had much experience and wisdom. When their situation turned rather bad, they said, 'I have seen worse,' and they kept cheerful. To them, a trouble that was not disastrous was petty, a mere inconvenience not worthy of a single tear. They did not indulge in wistful, wasteful thoughts either. They simply dealt with things in the most favorable way. I admire their no-nonsense attitude toward life, which can prove messy. I imagine their motto: Don't whine, nor cuss; tackle the muss and clear it up, or grin and bear it!

All in all, they were well-adjusted realists who believed detriment and merriment can coexist when the former leaves room for something that makes life worth living, loving, despite everything. The secret is balance: The worse the detriment, the better this something must be to compensate for it and bring merriment. Great achievers are often great sufferers who had the will and the ability to redeem their condition with a profound dignity and joy in the pursuit and attainment of a high goal. Other great sufferers, of lesser will and ability, either lived passively and bitterly or killed themselves. In short, suffering enervates the weak and motivates the strong.

Yet, beware! The strong may be weak at first and yield to morbid temptations or contemplate suicide for some considerable time; but at last they discover and develop the strength beneath their weakness, like a seed that lies in the parched soil of a neglected pot and needs the care of a flower lover to grow and bloom, and generate wonder."

Laurent Grenier*

* Author of the book A REASON FOR LIVING - The way to fulfillment against great odds -

* Auteur du florilège POUR L'AMOUR DE LA VIE - L'esprit: pierre philosophale pour une alchimie de l'âme -