"Most of us assume that human beings have free will. However, . . . [we] are very much conditioned by our species, culture, family, and by the past in general. . . . It is rare for a human being to have free will. . . . (140)"

--

Source : Ravi Ravindra (2009). “The Wisdom of Patañjali's Yoga Sutras: A New Translation and Guide”

Ravi Ravindra

#Past Quotes #Culture Quotes #Assuming Quotes

“... the more have been your trials, look for a more perfect reward from your just Judge. Do not take your present troubles ill. Do not lose hope. Yet a little while and your Helper will come to you and will not tarry (cf. Hab. 2:3).”
“As is so often the case with a legend, every incident has two possible interpretations, the plausible and the one that is molded to suit the making of the myth. Man is a romantic at heart and will always put aside dull, plodding reason for the excitement of an enigma. As Doc had pointed out, mystery, not logic, is what gives us hope and keeps us believing in a force greater than our own insignificance.”
“Intelligence is something we are born with. Thinking is a skill that must be learned.”
“Those who wish well towards their friends disdain to please them with words which are not true.”
“The working classes in every country only learn to fight in the course of their struggles.”
“The average educated man in America has about as much knowledge of what a political idea is as he has of the principles of counterpoint. Each is a thing used in politics or music which those fellows who practice politics or music manipulate somehow. Show him one and he will deny that it is politics at all. It must be corrupt or he will not recognize it. He has only seen dried figs. He has only thought dried thoughts. A live thought or a real idea is against the rules of his mind.”
“The love I knew was from books..”

Source : Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1999). “The Mute's Soliloquy: A Memoir”
“My marriage had its ups and downs like anyone's, but when it came down to it, I knew it was solid. I miss that sort of security, and that sort of connection with someone.”

You may also like: