Aspiration Quote by Emily Dickinson
“How very sad it is to have a confiding nature, one's hopes and feelings are quite at the mercy of all who come along; and how very desirable to be a stolid individual, whose hopes and aspirations are safe in one's waistcoat pocket, and that a pocket indeed, and one not to be picked!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Collected Poems, 1890
Emotional openness makes one vulnerable; emotional restraint offers perceived safety but can be limiting.
In simple terms: Being open feels risky; being guarded feels safe.
Key Takeaway
Balance openness with healthy boundaries.
Themes
vulnerability
emotional health
self‑protection
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- workplace
- creative projects
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you protect yourself without becoming emotionally closed?
- What boundaries feel healthy versus restrictive?
A Different Perspective
Over‑protectiveness can stifle growth and connection.
![“One of the great crimes of the Bloomberg/Klein administration [in New York City] is that they've removed themselves from communities, as if communities have nothing to say about what their needs and aspirations are for themselves and for their children.” quote by Bill Ayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfb/bill-ayers-1848_administration_one-of-the-great-crimes-of-the-bloomberg_36172.jpg)
