Challenge Your Perspective: 10 Life-Changing Quotes | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Quotes That Will Challenge Your Perspective

From an English major's heart to yours.

2586
Woman standing in a door way with books all around her in book shelves
StableDiffusion
  • "When she Transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back into what she had always been. But now she had wings" - Dean Jackson
  • "Let it go..." - E.E. Cummings
  • "It took me so long to realize that I am the only one who can save myself. What I was searching for all around has always been buried deep within the dust of my soul and the marrow of my bones" - Prerna Salve
  • "How cool is it that the same God that created mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too." - Author Unknown
  • "That's their problem, not yours"
  • "My soul is from elsewhere- I'm sure of that. And I intend to end up there." -Rumi
  • "She always had that about her, that look of otherness, of eyes that see things much too far, and of thoughts that wander off the edge of the world." - Joanne Harris
  • "We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable..." - E.E. Cummings
  • "They laugh at me because I'm different' I laugh at them because they're all the time."
  • "They taught us..."

I have always been a lover of words, and quite frankly, I don't think I'll ever be anything else. Of all the professions and areas of study in this world, I chose to study literature, and I've never looked back. I've always felt that words written are simply the souls manifestation and embodiment into our world and into the lives of others.

With everything I've read in my brief twenty-something years, I've found that the best way to honor the beauty of words is through beautiful words. Here are just a few of the most influential, depth of your soul-powerful, words I have ever read.


1. "When she Transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back into what she had always been. But now she had wings"- Dean Jackson

Colorful illistrated image of a orange and blue butterflyTransformed into a Butterfly StableDiffusion

No matter what you are, or are to be, you will always be of a constantly changing nature--never let anyone make you think you need to revert.

2. "Let it go..." - E.E. Cummings

Animated image of a woman in snowy mountains wearing a long blue dressLet it go StableDiffusion

I've found that it is necessary to relieve yourself from the weights of the past, though you are strong enough to hold them, they are no longer your burdens to bear.

3. "It took me so long to realize that I am the only one who can save myself. What I was searching for all around has always been buried deep within the dust of my soul and the marrow of my bones" - Prerna Salve

Illistrated image of a person walking into the light between big treesDeep within the dust of my soul StableDiffusion

Hauntingly beautiful. Relentlessly accurate.

4. "How cool is it that the same God that created mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too." - Author Unknown

Illistrated image of mountains oceans and galaxiesMountains and oceans and galaxies StableDiffusion

Makes you see the world differently, doesn't it?

5. "That's their problem, not yours"

Illistrated image of the words not yoursThat's their problem, not yours StableDiffusion


These are words I'd wish I'd read so many years ago and they are remarkably healing.

6. "My soul is from elsewhere- I'm sure of that. And I intend to end up there." -Rumi

Image of clouds and the sun with bird like souls flyingRumi StableDiffusion

No matter where we believe we have come from, we have come from the same place...the same phenomena or entity is responsible for our existence--and that is truly beautiful.

7. "She always had that about her, that look of otherness, of eyes that see things much too far, and of thoughts that wander off the edge of the world." - Joanne Harris

Illistrated image of a woman walking between cliffs and towards the oceanEdge of the world StableDiffusion

This is an absolute favorite quote of mine, to have thoughts that wander off the edge of the world--everything appears differently, uniquely, and life begins to make sense in an entirely universal way.

8. "We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable..." - E.E. Cummings

Illistrated image of a mans face with colourful sparks all around himbelieve in yourself StableDiffusion

What a sad but painfully-beautiful truth.

9. "They laugh at me because I'm different' I laugh at them because they're all the time."

Illistrated image of faces laughingThey laugh at me because I'm different StableDiffusion

If you ask me, I'd much rather risk being terribly insane than mundanely average. Live life desperately trying not to be normal, conformity is the the poison to creativity.

10. "They taught us..."This world has its values in the wrong places, but when we begin to look past that--beauty, sensitivity, and care all come to the surface of our heart's most intimate emotions.


Illistrated image of a human heart with a heart shape around it. Hearts most intimate emotions StableDiffusion




These are just a few pieces of some lovely words I've read, just a little snapshot of the hundreds of thousands I've seen-- these are just a few that made such a beautiful difference.

Report this Content
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

20559
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8673
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6274
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5410
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments