"To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often"
- John Henry Newman
About this Quote
John Henry Newman's quote, "To live is to alter, and to be best is to have actually altered typically," welcomes reflection on the dynamic nature of life and the continuous journey towards self-improvement and development. At its core, this statement asserts that change is an intrinsic part of life; it is not merely inevitable but necessary for real presence.
Newman recommends that living is synonymous with evolving, suggesting that stagnation is antithetical to life. Each experience, difficulty, and newly found understanding contributes to our improvement. Change, in this sense, is not only biological however intellectual, psychological, and spiritual. It shows an openness to new ideas, versatility to situations, and the guts to welcome the unidentified.
In the second part of the quote, "to be ideal is to have altered often," Newman redefines perfection, typically considered as a static state of flawlessness, as a vibrant process of continuous refinement and adjustment. Excellence, according to Newman, is not an end-point to be reached but a state of being that involves routine reassessment and change. This point of view acknowledges human flaw and celebrates our capacity for growth. Each modification, whether it results from trial or accomplishment, brings us closer to a suitable of individual completeness.
Moreover, Newman's idea of perfection through frequent modification resonates with the concept of long-lasting knowing. It challenges us to stay curious, modest, and going to revise our beliefs and behaviors in light of new info and point of views. In this method, change becomes a car for attaining our maximum potential.
Eventually, Newman's quote encourages us to view change not as a hazard but as a chance. It is an optimistic suggestion that through accepting change, we can continuously improve our understanding and enhance our character, thus enhancing our lives and the lives of those around us.
About the Author