“If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
－Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Quotes aren't just mere words, spoken to feel good or make some catchy expressions. These are words that sink deep down beyond, into the realities and hearts of people. There are many cases of truths, hidden until exposed by whoever got the inspiration. Many of these reflect a deep reality that tends to resonate with the hearts and minds of those who care to interact with it or look deep within, or even just caught up by them somehow.
I find that quotes could mean a lot more than just words, but much more as highlighted above. In them, you could find encouragement, motivation, strength to push on, to keep trying, and empowerment to work hard towards success. You could also find in them or through them some form of reassurance, value, positivity, perseverance, and more than one could think of, all geared towards the enabling of a successful life.
The quote above speaks much of the value and necessity of perseverance; its overwhelming role in the place of progress even through difficulties. It suggests making little steps as well towards the intended result, not necessarily waiting for the big steps or big amount of progress, something I realised and vehemently agree with. It brings to mind also one quote that says, “drops of rain make an ocean”, centrally highlighting the need for little steps.
I find the quote fascinating because it tends to encourage me to move forward in life, regardless of what barriers and obstacles I come across, and certainly, I've faced many of such. It goes on to remind me to keep pushing harder, relentlessly, knowing that every little step counts. I think that's where the issue is sometimes in life. We fail not to succeed not because we aren't capable, but because we fail to acknowledge our little efforts as steps towards success, so we give up. I think I just dropped a quote too, chuckles.
The quote became more of a thing for me－not necessarily as a favourite－for the person who rendered it; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and what he stood for. An American Baptist Minister, a civil rights activist and a political philosopher who lived in the mid-20th century and stood for something great, these words resonate well with me.
Through his life, the quote proved to be a reality, not just mere words, but an affirmation that with perseverance, resilience, tenacity and little momentary progress, one can be that great thing they wished to be, or achieve that great feat they desired in life. I find it helpful to reaffirm to be the best I can in the best little way possible while hoping to attain that intended height or reach that result.
So, even when we fall, let's learn to “fall forward.” The quoted words here are famously associated with the American actor and director, Denzel Washington. He rendered it as a major part of a speech at the University of Pennsylvania's commencement address some years back, and I find it conveys a wonderful sense of articulation with the earlier quote.
Images are mine, except stated otherwise.