Admirable Quote by William Martin
“Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Unknown, possibly personal essay or speech
Encourages nurturing appreciation for everyday experiences rather than chasing exceptional achievements, fostering authentic joy and emotional depth.
In simple terms: Value ordinary moments over lofty ambitions.
Key Takeaway
Teach children to cherish simple joys.
Themes
family
mindfulness
joy
growth
humility
Mood
reflective
warm
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- daily routines
- grief coping
- sensory appreciation
Key Concepts
existentialism
emotional intelligence
simplicity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance ordinary appreciation with healthy aspirations?
- What simple moments bring you the most joy?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the need for ambition in some contexts.
![“I didn't get a chance to meet Glen [Beck] for this movie. I did meet him a few years ago, coincidentally, before any of this happened. But I've been familiar with his work, so I felt I wanted to get it right. I wanted to honor him. I respect him and I think the way he does his job is admirable…” quote by Zachary Quinto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bee/zachary-quinto-4021_admirable_i-didn-t-get-a-chance-to-meet-glen-beck_138334.jpg)
