The way we are living, timorous or bold, will have been our life.
Meaning
Life is defined by how we choose to live it—fearfully or courageously.
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
Why This Quote Matters
The sentence carries Seamus Heaney’s voice—direct, human, and tuned to Courages. The claim lands because Life is defined by how we choose to live it—fearfully or courageously.
It can be a bookmark for mornings, a pause before replies, a filter for goals.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
If you lead others, model Courage in meetings by listening before pitching.
Measure progress in weeks, not hours: Courage rewards repetition. Over time, that practice steadies decisions without needing constant inspiration.
Related quotes
-
“We should not give up and we should not allow the problem to defeat us.”
Meaning: Stay resilient in difficult times. -
“The greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity to feel the pain.”
Meaning: Love brings both joy and vulnerability. This quote reflects the idea that emotional depth comes with both happiness and the possibility of pain, making relationships meaningful yet complex. -
“Love loves to love love.”
Meaning: This highlights the self-reinforcing nature of love. -
“The only certainty is that nothing is certain.”
Meaning: Uncertainty is a fundamental part of life. -
“Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.”
Meaning: Life often carries underlying struggles even during moments of happiness. -
“You should stay grounded no matter what.”
Meaning: Humility is important in success. -
“Change requires both courage and careful planning.”
Meaning: This quote highlights that transformation needs bold decisions as well as thoughtful strategy. -
“Lovers, lunatics and poets are made of the same stuff.”
Meaning: Passion drives creativity and emotion. -
“The quality of your life depends on the quality of your thinking.”
Meaning: Thinking shapes life.