EILEEN ADLER

“Our vanity is the constant enemy of our dignity,” wrote Anne Sophie Swetchine (1782-1857), known as Madame Swetchine. Though born in Russia, the law did not permit members of the Orthodox religion to reside there so Sophie was forced to live in exile, choosing Paris as her life-long home. There, she became a salonnière, her salon was a cultural hall for various sectors of French literary, politicians, and members of the religious high society. These collaborations of profound conversations delved in possibility.

 

"To have ideas is to gather flowers; to think is to weave them into garlands."
Agree? Disagree?
More ideas worth pondering.

• Travel is the frivolous part of serious lives and the serious part of frivolous lives.
• The ideal friendship is to feel as one while remaining two.
• Let our lives be pure as snowflakes, where our steps leave a mark but no stain.
• Those who have suffered much are like those who know many languages: they have learned to understand and be understood by all.
• We deceive ourselves when we fancy that only weakness needs support. Strength needs it far more.
• Kindness causes us to learn, and to forget, many things.
• A good enemy can be better than the best friend.
• I can wait for life to shape me in whatever manner it chooses. Or I can shape me to make life whatever I choose.
• Some people think because they're afraid to do.