Brave Quote by Maira Kalman
“Soon enough it will be me struggling (valiantly?) to walk - lugging my stuff around. How are we all so brave as to take step after step? Day after day? How are we so optimistic, so careful not to trip and yet do trip, and then get up and say O.K. Why do I feel so sorry for everyone and so proud?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Being Human, 2020
Human resilience involves continual effort despite fatigue, balancing optimism with vulnerability, and feeling empathy and pride simultaneously.
In simple terms: We keep trying despite hardship, feeling both empathy and pride.
Key Takeaway
Embrace perseverance and self‑compassion.
Themes
resilience
optimism
empathy
pride
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily work
- personal challenges
- caregiving
- learning new skills
Key Concepts
human condition
psychology
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you sustain optimism during repeated setbacks?
- What supports help you feel pride without self‑criticism?
A Different Perspective
Optimism can mask underlying burnout if not managed.
