Madeleine L'Engle Quotes

The essence of greatness is neglect of the self.

I accept everything which is favorable for the people and the army; for myself, I wish to live in retirement.

... do not spare me in anything -- let there be less and less of me in everything.

True love is the parent of humility.

He who desires to worship God must harbor no childish illusions about the matter but bravely renounce his liberty and humanity.

Plenty of people wish to become devout, but no one wishes to be humble.

I didn't want readers to think I was asking to be praised for taking care of my wife while she was ill. Lots of people are heroic, more heroic than I was, when faced with the suffering of someone they love.

The boughs that bear most hang lowest.

True love is quiescent, except in the nascent moments of true humility.

I'm not one to speak about myself. I like to speak about the people around me.

I have no self-centeredness or ego about being a movie star.

To feel not only submitted but willing to be anything or nothing as the Lord wills it - this is, in truth, to sing a song to our Well Beloved.

I will serve the people in a very humble way.

When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

Dear is your heart and close your hand, I relinquish all to love's dysmorphic command.

True strength lies in submission which permits one to dedicate his life, through devotion, to something beyond himself.

All of our energy should be in sacrifice and services. Suffering, at least.

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

I don't want people to see me - I want them to see Jesus.

But the one thing that has power completely is love, because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power.

I remember calling directors numerous times and saying, 'Oh, you should cast so-and-so instead of me. They're much better for the role.'

The Aryan is not greatest in his mental qualities, but in his noblest form he willingly subordinates his own ego to the community and, if the hour demands, even sacrifices it.

Always think of yourself as everyone's servant.

It wouldn't bother me at all not to play on my own album.

We should never desire to be over others. Instead, we ought to be servants who are submissive to every human being for God's sake.