Tom Lefroy Quote of the Week 18
This week I have chosen the quote from Tom Lefroy's memoirs, part 8, page 345.
He is writing this in the context of the christian religion but I dont think that we need to read it solely from that perspective.
"but let it be our business to walk in the appointed path, and not to endeavour to find a new or better way."
The key word highlighted is "appointed" - he believes that God has chosen our destiny and we are abiding by the path set forth for us. Everyone has very different views regarding destiny, whether it be from a traditional religious stand or whether it be a more eastern, spiritual interpretation of what we are destined to become. Some may have no religion or spiritual inclination and believe that we decide our own destiny and path, with no planning from a higher being. Not one of us can know the truth in this but it is such an interesting area to ponder.
The reason I chose this quote was because I think it gives us some indication to what he felt about how the situation with Jane, i surmise that he would have considered it 'not meant to be' and not a part of his and her determined path. I like the reference to a "new or better way" as he is acknowledging that sometimes we have to curb our desires for what we consider better things and be happy with what is mapped out for us.
Comments welcome ...
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4 comments:
I do agree... Everything would be easier if we could not dream. It seems that what we "need" is often the contrary of what we want...
Every time I think of Tom and Jane's lost romance it makes me sad :( but it's nice to think that he may have found solace in religion.
Rachel, you have inspired me to look into the surrounding text of your quote to "see what I could see"! I have printed out that part of the chapter and Tom's obituary from the Memoir. Now all I have to do it study it to get the context and it promises to be very interesting indeed!!
I will return with another comment when I finish my study, but don't hold your breath, because it may take a while.
Yrs aff'ly,
Linda the Librarian
I'm sorry that I didn't publish the comments immediately...And I actually did write a long comment, but it wasn't published! Alas!
But thanks a lot for the quote, Rachel!
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