Words of Wisdom from a Nobel Prize Winner: Andre Gide

Andre Gide was a prolific French writer who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1947. He died four years later, at the age of 81.

Gide lived a controversial life – travelling widely and committing whole-heartedly to exploring the internal life as well. His work explored on-going tensions between a strict artistic discipline, an inherited puritanical moralism, and the desire for unlimited sensual indulgence and abandonment to life. He wanted to know – how can a person be fully themselves while not betraying their morals or values?

Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.

image via www.mydeepmeditation.com

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Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.

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It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace.

image via www.flickriver.com

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Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.

image via www.birthmom-buds.blogspot.com

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Welcome anything that comes to you, but do not long for anything else.

painting by Josephine Wall