We are all only mortal," said the Master, even more…
““We are all only mortal," said the Master, even more slowly. "We do only what we can do. All the Elemental priests have certain teachings in common: one of them is that everyone, every human, every bird, badger and salamander, every blade of grass and every acorn, is doing the best it can. This is the priests' definition of mortality: the circumstance of doing what one can is that of doing one's best. Only the immortals have the luxury of furlough. Doing one's best is hard work; we rely on our surroundings because we must; when our surroundings change, we stumble. If you are running as fast as you can, only a tiny roughness of the ground may make you fall.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Everyone does their best within limits; mortality means we cannot exceed them.
In simple terms: Do your best within limits.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits, strive fully.
Themes
mortality
effort
limitations
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- teamwork
- creative projects
Key Concepts
human condition
resilience
environmental influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you adapt when conditions shift?
- What supports you in maintaining effort?
A Different Perspective
Limits can cause frustration when circumstances change.