Sociologist, historian, and activist W. E. B. Du Bois with some life advice in a letter to his daughter:
"The main thing is the YOU beneath the clothes and skin—the ability to do, the will to conquer, the determination to understand and know this great, wonderful, curious world.
Don’t shrink from new experiences and custom. Take the cold bath bravely. Enter into the spirit of your big bedroom. Enjoy what is and not pine for what is not.
Read some good, heavy, serious books just for discipline: Take yourself in hand and master yourself. Make yourself do unpleasant things, so as to gain the upper hand of your soul."
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September 1, 2021 at 5:39 pm
Perfect. Thanks for sharing.
September 1, 2021 at 5:47 pm
Sounded good until “make yourself do unpleasant things”…?!
September 2, 2021 at 2:34 pm
It’s open for interpretation, for me it means to seek discomfort 🙂 Taking a cold shower can be unpleasant, but it can make you feel better.
September 6, 2021 at 11:39 am
I think it’s to be familiar with the unpleasantries so that when you are familiar you’ll be ready for it.
Avoiding unpleasant experiences may not help completely but just having great experiences alone may not help the soul grow… at least that’s my interpretation.
September 8, 2021 at 10:32 am
Yes, that’s very true.
September 2, 2021 at 1:02 pm
Yes your brain stays alert and interested. Good advice.
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September 2, 2021 at 3:28 pm
I wish I could write such words.
September 2, 2021 at 6:50 pm
I love your use of this quote for “life advice”!
Have you read this book?
I bought it and thought maybe it would be a 200-300 page book.
Boy was I surprised!
Honoree Fanonne Jeffers
“The Love Songs of W.E.B Du Bois”
September 8, 2021 at 11:18 am
Yes I have. I still find myself reaching for it every now and then because it’s filled with golden nuggets, and I always find something new.
September 10, 2021 at 2:48 am
I loved this.. cant wait to apply this to my life
September 10, 2021 at 8:08 pm
I’m so glad it meant something to you 🙂
November 3, 2021 at 12:34 am
Reblogged this on The Writing Life and commented:
rather deep philosophical thoughts
http://www.nzwriters.wordpress.com
November 4, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Thanks for the share Craig!
November 4, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Your comments and advice lift the heart and make me smile. Glorious! I don’t think I would overtly SEEK discomfort, but if/when it comes, to embrace it completely and make it mine. It’s surprising what I learn. My last blog took 25 revisions before it got published.
November 5, 2021 at 9:20 am
I’m so glad to hear that! That’s a great mindset to have 🙂 Resisting it might only cause more problems, hence embracing it could allow you to move forward. 🙂
Oh wow! It’s great that you’re putting in so much effort, but never let perfection get in the way of good enough.