Inspirational Quotes 39

We've either got to kick the door down or be more patient. I'm for kicking the door down, myself. (Lenny Henry June 2013)

The end-stage versions of the lovable slackers. (Time)

She started out on her return journey to social oblivion. (The Guardian on Julian Fellowes’ Snobs)

Oprah Winfrey is seen promoting the poisonous notion that “being all you can be” is a simple matter of deciding. “Since there was no random suffering in life,” George Packer writes… Oprah left [her viewers] with no excuse.” (Review of Packer’s The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America)

Lord G had edged up to his daughter, and was intimidating her in what he imagined to be an undertone. (GK Chesterton, Father Brown)

The religion of cheerfulness is a cruel religion. (Father Brown)

I can see now how he orchestrated the breakdown of our relationship. (Woman unwittingly partnered with an undercover cop, Guardian June 2013)

We’d reached that critical 18-month point where I couldn’t stall things any longer – we had to move in together as normal couples do, otherwise why continue the relationship? (Guardian June 2013)

Inevitably the cliché content is high (‘you have to believe, work hard, have a dream and never ever give up’). (Spectator, 2013)

conation: The aspect of mental processes or behavior directed toward action or change and including impulse, desire, volition, and striving. (The Free Dictionary)

When you’re a year younger than the rest of your class, socialising is difficult. (Physics prof Athene Donald, paraphrase)

HOW TO SURVIVE AT PARTIES It’s about talking and acting in a way that is more random, and not that intelligent. Speak as though you’re not sure of a lot of things, or as if you’re too tired to talk about serious subjects. This creates a certain comfortable energy around you, and it encourages low-key conversations. It makes people see you as a regular and open-minded person, not a snob… you’ll see that there are people who come alone, and hope to be able to meet anyone. If they look friendly but hesitant to talk to anyone, go to them and ask a basic question, and see if they’re open to talking. (It also recommends you go to parties early so that you’re there when people arrive feeling nervous. You could put them at their ease! And with luck you have formed a group with other early arrivers. Plus, you can always pretend you can’t stay long because you have another Thing to go to.) (lifehack.org 2013)

No amount of luxury in a hotel could make up for the fact that you were on your own. It would gnaw away at you. (BBC Online)

More here, and links to the rest.