“Life's very difficult and full of surprises. At all events, I've got as far as that. To be humble and kind, to go straight ahead, to love people rather than pity them, to remember the submerged--well, one can't do all these things at once, worse luck, because they're so contradictory. It's then that proportion comes in--to live by proportion. Don't begin with proportion. Only prigs do that. Let proportion come in as a last resource, when the better things have failed...”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote by E.M. Forster, the author reflects on the complexities and contradictions of life. He acknowledges the challenges of striving to be humble, kind, and compassionate while also recognizing the need to maintain a sense of proportion. Forster suggests that one cannot always achieve all these noble qualities simultaneously and that one must prioritize and adjust accordingly. He warns against starting with proportion, as this may lead one to become rigid and judgmental. Instead, he advises allowing proportion to guide one when other virtues have been exhausted. This quote underscores the importance of balance and flexibility in navigating life's challenges and relationships.
Modern Relevance
In today's fast-paced and often chaotic world, the words of E.M. Forster still hold true. The idea of living with humility, kindness, and love for others is timeless. However, he also acknowledges the challenge of balancing these virtues and the importance of finding proportion in our actions. This notion of striving for balance and proportion in our lives can serve as a valuable reminder for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Example of Usage
In E.M. Forster's quote, he emphasizes the importance of living life with humility, kindness, and love for others. He acknowledges that these values may sometimes contradict each other, but ultimately, it is about finding the right balance and living by proportion. Forster suggests that rather than starting with proportion, we should prioritize qualities such as humility and kindness, and only turn to proportion as a last resort.
Reflection Questions:
In light of E.M. Forster's words about the complexities and contradictions of life, consider the following reflection questions:
In what ways do you struggle to balance being humble and kind with going straight ahead in life?
How do you navigate showing love towards others while also recognizing the struggles they face?
Can you identify a time when you had to prioritize certain values or actions over others due to their contradicting nature?
How do you incorporate the concept of proportion into your decision-making process?
Reflect on a situation where you had to rely on proportion as a last resort after other approaches failed.
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