62 quotes
He who has surrendered himself to it knows that the Way ends on the Cross — even when it is leading him through the jubilation of Gennesaret or the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
The pursuit of peace and progress cannot end in a few years in either victory or defeat. The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned.
Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible — not to have run away.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
The only kind of dignity which is genuine is that which is not diminished by the indifference of others.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
Is life so wretched? Isn't it rather your hands which are too small, your vision which is muddied? You are the one who must grow up.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
The myths have always condemned those who "looked back." Condemned them, whatever the paradise may have been which they were leaving. Hence this shadow over each departure from your decision.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
What makes loneliness an anguish
Is not that I have no one to share my burden,
But this:
I have only my own burden to bear.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
I believe that we should die with decency so that at least decency will survive.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
Life yields only to the conqueror. Never accept what can be gained by giving in. You will be living off stolen goods, and your muscles will atrophy.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
What I strive for is impossible: that my life shall acquire a meaning. I dare not believe, I do not see how I shall ever be able to believe: that I am not alone.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
In a political context of the utmost significance, ["freedom from fear"] recognizes a human right which, in a broad sense, may be said to sum up the whole philosophy of human rights.
To be free, to be able to stand up and leave everything behind — without looking back. To say Yes —
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
Do not seek death. Death will find you. But seek the road which makes death a fulfillment.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
The big, shoe-thumping fellow continues as a dark thunderhead to threaten all unrepentant non-Communists with hail and thunder.
A task becomes a duty from the moment you suspect it to be an essential part of that integrity which alone entitles a man to assume responsibility.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
Forgiveness is the answer to the child's dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is again made clean.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
For all that has been — Thanks! To all that shall be — Yes!
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
The longest journey
Is the journey inwards.
Of him who has chosen his destiny,
Who has started upon his quest
For the source of his being.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)
Those who invoke history will certainly be heard by history. And they will have to accept its verdict.
"To forgive oneself"—? No, that doesn't work: we have to be forgiven. But we can only believe this is possible if we ourselves can forgive.
Vägmärken · Markings (1963)