Pema Chodron Quotes

You cannot break the human spirit.

The strength of the soul can defy a whole world in arms against it.

No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit.

Yet there is a dignity in the human spirit which can become most clearly visible in the moment of defeat and disaster.

A stout heart may be ruined in fortune but not in spirit.

Soul of fibre and heart of oak.

I allow myself to honor the man who fought in moments when he had no strength to impose himself, until he managed to impose himself. [Joseph] Ratzinger. Cardinal Ratzinger deserves applause.

I should at least mention that I am also discovering a degree of strength and of basic ability for humans to remain human in the direst of circumstances – which I also haven’t seen before. I think the word is dignity. I wish you could meet these people. Maybe, hopefully, someday you will.

This I know; the spirit of Man cannot be stopped.

I believe very deeply in the human spirit, and I have a sense of awe about it. I look around and ask, 'What makes the difference? What is it?' I've known people the world has thrown everything at - to discourage them, to kill them, to break their spirit. And yet something about them retains a dignity. They face life and they don't ask quarters.

Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.

I don't want people to feel sorry for me or pity me - I want people to know that what got me through was human spirit and everyone has that in them.

The stories of past courage... can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this each man must look into his own soul.

Though are hands are chained like they are, they haven't taken music from us yet. So that's how I'll fight. People tell me don't quit like everyone else. I wont have no fear.

I hope this brings someone else the courage they need to face whatever challenge is before them.

Don't give up, courage is my conviction.

Strength, courage & wisdom...it's been inside of me all along.

Throughout the journey of my life, I have maintained a strong faith in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I deeply believe in one's own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Life's blows cannot break a person whose spirit is warmed at the fire of enthusiasm.

Do not despair of your life. You have force enough to overcome your obstacles.

I'm a strong person. I'm a warrior and I know what is inside of me.

Theirs is the banner in my hand. And I wish I had the power to tell them that the despair of their hearts was not to be final, and their night was not without hope. For the battle they lost can never be lost. For that which they died to save can never perish. Through all the darkness, through all the shame of which men are capable, the spirit of man will remain alive on this earth. It may sleep, but it will awaken. It may wear chains, but it will break through. And man will go on. Man, not men. ~Equality 7-2521 (as Prometheus), pgs 103-104

We're carrying the fire.