On three quotes
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.” –Marianne Williamson
From Wiki: “Marianne Deborah Williamson (born July 8, 1952) is an American author, spiritual leader, and political activist. She has written 13 books, including four … in the “Advice, How To, and Miscellaneous” category.” The above quote brings to mind the idea that even atheists believe in something in themselves that is like God. That belief can be dangerous if your ego grows too big, but it can also be a good thing, I think Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” was one of the most famous fictional examples of the idea becoming a danger in the person of Kurtz.
“If you dream it, have faith in it, and struggle for it–as long as it takes.” –Marian Wright Edelman
Edelman is a U.S. activist who has been influential on leaders like Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Hillary Clinton. Her quote reminds me of the saying from the mythology expert Joseph Campbell that you should “follow your bliss.” The novelist John Updike mocked Campbell for saying that. I suppose it is a matter of balance between romance and reality.