"A goose flies by a chart which the Royal Geographical Society could not mend"
- Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
About this Quote
This quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a metaphor for the unpredictability of life. The goose is a sign of flexibility and spontaneity, while the chart is a symbol of structure and order. The Royal Geographical Society is a sign of understanding and competence. The quote suggests that even with the very best knowledge and know-how, life is still unforeseeable and can not be managed. It suggests that life has lots of surprises which we ought to embrace the unexpected. The quote encourages us to be open up to alter and to take dangers, as life is full of chances that can be seized if we want to gamble. It likewise advises us that life is unforeseeable and that we must be prepared for the unanticipated. Ultimately, the quote motivates us to be versatile and to accept that life has plenty of surprises.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
