Meaning is something you build into your life. You build it out of your own past, out of your affections and loyalties, out of the experience of humankind as it is passed on to you… You are the only one who can put them together into that unique pattern that will be your life.

—John Gardner

life meaning past experience affection uniqueness loyalty controll

More quotations from John Gardner

The things you learn in maturity aren't simple things such as acquiring information and skills. You learn not to engage in self-destructive behavior. You learn not to burn up energy in anxiety. You discover how to manage your tensions. You learn that self-pity and resentment are among the most toxic of drugs. You find that the world loves talent but pays off on character.

—John Gardner

More quotations tagged with “loyalty”

There it was. That fierce loyalty. He didn't have a clue how that was the most attractive thing about him.

—Mariana Zapata in Under Locke

history certainty attraction loyalty

There was something special about family by choice. It wasn't blood that held us all together. It was loyalty. Love.

—Cambria Hebert in #Junkie

love family loyalty

It's impossible to be loyal to your family, your friends, your country, and your principles, all at the same time.

—Mignon McLaughlin

friends family loyalty

Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not loyalty; days of joy, but not peace or happiness.

—Henrik Ibsen

peace happiness money joy loyalty

Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.

—George Bernard Shaw

politics birth patriotism loyalty

History

11 Nov 2022 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

Meaning is something you build into your life. You build it out of your own past, out of your affections and loyalties, out of the experience of humankind as it is passed on to you... You are the only one who can put them together into that unique pattern that will be your life.