too serious

"All misery of this world comes from the fact that people take themselves too seriously."

Thomas Theodor Heine

harmony

"The outward harmony that we desire between our economy and the world depends finally upon an inward harmony between our own hearts and the originating spirit that is the life of all creatures, a spirit as near us as our flesh and yet forever beyond the measure of this obsessively measuring age. We can grow good wheat and grow good bread only if we understand that we do not live by bread alone."
Wendell Berry

arrogance versus ignorance

Never attribute to arrogance what can adequately be explained by ignorance.

silent

I recently posted a quote on my other blog that celebrates the gift of shutting up. More quotes extolling silence appeared in the comments section. The conversation (yes, it is slightly ironic to have a conversation about not talking) brought to mind one of my favorite Hebrew proverbs.

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28

I love the confluence of commonsense and comedy in those words!

innocence

The innocence we enjoy by way of ignorance is a gift given in secret. By its nature, it is invisible to its recipient.

Wisdom’s innocence, on the other hand, is heroically chosen in defiance of evidence that demands cynicism.

To know what life inevitably throws at us and yet choose to remain softhearted is the epitome of maturity. It is close to holiness.