Inspirational Words: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a highly influential figure in shaping of the voice of American literature and thought since his life in the 19th century. Essayist, poet, lecturer, and leader of the Transcendentalist movement, Emerson's words influenced many famous auhtors such as William James, Friedreich Nietzsche, Walt Witman, and Henry David Thoreau. Perhaps what made Emerson such a prominent figure was not only his unflinching questioning of everyday societal values and ways of life (which he did throughout his prolific career), but he also pointed people in the direction of different ways of thinking and looking at the world. His words still echo today, long after his death, with the same poignancy and relevance as the times they were written in. 

Here are some of his words. Read. Question. Be inspired.

REAL Freestyling at GZA Concert

Inspirational Words - Tenzin Gyatso (The Dalai Lama)

Tenzin Gyatso has been the spiritual leader of the Gelupga lineage of Tibetan Buddhism since 1950, when he was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama at the age of 15. He has been in exile from his home since the 1959 Tibetan Uprising against the Communist Part of China (CPC), and since set up the Government of Tibet in Exile in Dharamshala, India. He has been an international symbol of peace, compassion, understanding, wisdom, and other tenets of Buddhist religion and philosophy throughout his life. Winner of the Nobel Peace Price in 1989 and strong advocate for Tibetan rights (both inside and outside of Tibet), Tenzin Gyatso has devoted his life to being of service to others.

Here are some of his words of wisdom. Read. Learn. Be inspired. 

  

Pen and Pad

the pen and my pad my refuge from solipsism

when I’ve dwelled in my self-made prison for too long,

pen to the pad as I write another song

‘cause without it my life just feels wrong…

reminiscing on days I spent living from a bong

lighting cherries that buried my soul, losing control,

lying to myself,

I was the opposite of strong,

I thank God that those days are gone

I ain’t arrogant enough to think I can’t return

to the place where my fingertips burned

but I’ve learned

if I day at a time I stay focused on my rhymes,

meditate and pray when it’s time to clear my mind

I can find a bit of peace on this earth,

for what it’s worth

I’ve been walking this path since my birth,

since before I crawled;

since before I was born,

I heard my name called,

said I was needed to deflate the conceited –

that’s what I came for

yet I need to stay humble and grateful,

keep the poison from my lips because it’s distasteful

and above all else never be hateful,

‘cause my brother told me that there’s nothing below that,

a sapling from the tree of life,

I’m tryna grow that,

when I put my pen to the pad is how I show that,

and I need to be patient – I know that,

but it’s hard when what I’m seeing all around me is so wack,

sometimes the past beckons to me,

I can’t go back

I’m looking at future moments, wishing I could hold that

I know my presence lives in the present,

that’s where my power lies,

if I look too far ahead then I’m paralyzed,

living out my legacy while staring through this pair of eyes,

already seen the truth – I ain’t scared of lies,

most living like they’ll be here forever –

that’s where the error lies,

their dreams sautéing on the back burner until they’re caramelized

my pen and pad are the only things I’ve ever truly owned,

even this life that I call my own is on lease,

I put what I know in a poem and I release

everything I’ve been keeping inside, I set free,

on the path of a poet, the only thing left to be

is me,

sometimes the hardest thing to see

is that which is lovely

in a world that can be so ugly,

but if you look deep enough, you must agree

that if we

pay close enough attention to the signs, then they do appear

and guide us to the rivers of life – it’s all fluid there,

if there’s a destiny to fulfill, we must do it there,

put my pen to pad,

receive courage and march through the fear.

She

She loves me for who I am,

she loves me for who I’m not.

She loves me when I’m sick,

when I’m down,

when I’m scared.

She loves me when I want space,

when I’m distant,

when I’m mean.

She accepts me unconditionally

and supports my dreams.

I love her,

yes, I love her,

and still something inside me

tells me to run.

Inspirational Words - Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill lived a long, full, and varied life, occupying various positions in the British army and politics, but was also a writer, historian, artist, and great public speaker. He is best known for his role as British Prime Minister during WW2, in which he rallied his nation to fight with the Allies against the Nazi powers. A man who faced many trials in his life and was looked to as a leader during some of the darkest times in modern history, Churchill stood firmly by his convictions during the war and refused to accept defeat or surrender. He is a man who stood for freedom in the face of those who sought to dominate and control all humankind, and kept a sense of humour about his despite everything. Winston Churchill remains a quintessential example of leadership and conviction in the face of horrible circumstances and incredible odds.

Below are some of his words. Read. Reflect. Be Inspired.