Inspirational Quotes on Life. Wisdom Quotes Illustrated 2

By Philip Schmitz

So what’s in it for you?

Quotes inspire us by focusing attention on things we already know, or at least sense. It might be fun to dial back a notch and simply call them “reminders.”

For example, remember that you’re free to define yourself, let go of the past, and choose your own road. Remember that life is more than a destination, it’s the entire journey. Enjoy it now and keep worry in check.

Always had something you wanted to try? Imagine the impossible, and then start by taking small steps. For strength, look inside. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Keep in mind that they’re the tuition you pay for experience.

“Quotes on Life” also reminds you to cultivate the more reflective traits, such as forgiveness and gratitude. They can do more to improve your life than almost anything else. What about altruism and generosity? When you give, you actually gain. And maybe patience isn’t your greatest strength, but have you ever tried to push a river?

Here’s a suggestion: the first time you open the book, scroll through and simply enjoy the pictures. They will entertain you. Then come back to the table of contents and focus in on your special interests.

“You have escaped your cage. Your wings are stretched out. Now fly.”~Rumi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Philip Schmitz
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9780997365849

Philip Schmitz

Life is like a gemstone. Let’s hold it under the light and watch it sparkle. Born in Princeton, NJ, Philip Schmitz spent his formative decades in Salzburg, Austria. His exposure to a foreign culture exerted an enormous influence on his life. As a professional translator, he has written well over a million words. Although much of his work was printed between the covers of books (12) and published online, it left him unsatisfied. Wisdom Quotes Illustrated is his first attempt at publishing on the subjects that matter to him most: learning, developing, and changing; staying inspired and motivated; and cultivating a positive, optimistic frame of mind even—and especially—when difficult situations arise. His goal is to produce a series of books that will provide awareness and insight, and encourage personal growth. Philip lives in Connecticut. When he’s not up to his neck in a translation or busily collecting quotes for his next book, he enjoys baking cakes and can found walking in the quiet recesses of nearby nature preserves. View samples of his style at www.fullyhereandnow.com

Book preview

Introduction

What better way to begin a book of picture quotes on life than with words that sum up my reason for producing it?

Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other person and then for ourselves.~ Helen Keller

Life doesn’t offer the option of shielding ourselves entirely from the world around us, although people have been known to try. Difficulties arise unexpectedly. I’ve learned more about that than I would have liked.

In spite of the uncertainty, the inevitable twists and turns, my basic outlook is that life is rich. As each moment slips into the past, I strive to develop ways of thinking and feeling that let me enjoy as much happiness as possible . . . now!

My goals are to keep growing and changing, to stay motivated, and cultivate a positive, optimistic frame of mind. This book is an invitation to travel with me. Let’s go.

Until you spread your wings . . . is unattributed. "Bird in flight" by Bernard Spragg is in the public domain.

Take flight!

Humans are an earthbound species. We are nimble on dry land, do a passable job of swimming, and it also seems that centuries, perhaps even millennia, ago we accomplished some impressive feats of navigation on the seas. Overcoming gravity and taking to the air, however, has always been the preserve of our winged friends, and an ability we greatly envied.

The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who . . . looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through space . . . on the infinite highway of the air. ~Wilbur Wright

Today we find nothing spectacular about hopping a flight to a nearby city or one on the other side of the globe, for that matter. Yet the idea of taking flight still fuels our imagination. It retains its appeal as a figure of speech for freeing oneself from constraint, developing potential, and succeeding—the notion of soaring instead of slogging.

I’m reminded of the story about a young eagle that was hatched and raised by chickens. As it grew up, it learned to mimic the behaviors of its peers, the chicks in its brood. It clucked, pecked for kernels, and flapped its wings ineffectively. Sadly, it died without ever realizing its potential because it never took to the air like a true eagle.

Have you ever taken flight? Is it something you would like to do again? What would give you the means to do so? Isn’t it strange that so many people, figuratively speaking, are afraid to fly?

Be like the bird who, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing she hath wings.

Victor Hugo

No bird soars too high if he soars on his own wings.

William Blake

The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.

J.M. Barrie

I always wonder why birds choose to stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on the earth, then I ask myself the same question.

Harun Yahya

And to conclude on a somewhat lighter note:

A characteristic of the great saints is their power of levity. Angels can fly because they can take themselves lightly.

G.K. Chesterton

Leonardo quote: "Think" by Moyan Brenn is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Jose Yacopi quote: "Hang glider" by Brian is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Imagination