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Proverbs, quotes, phrases, poems, lines... (inspiration)
Flay
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I've been given a task for my design course (specifically my typography subject) which requires me to use a line (proverb, quote, phrase, (part of a) poem, line, lyric, statement, instruction, confession etc...) as the basis of a poster. The internet is, of course, an almost limitless source of such material, and I have found many fragments which I may consider using. However, I'm concerned my scope may be limited.
So, what I'm hoping for is some suggestions of such materials described above. It really can be sourced from anywhere - more interesting or unusual sources may be a good thing, but don't go out of your way to make this the focus of your suggestion - but it must follow a few set guidelines:
So, what I'm hoping for is some suggestions of such materials described above. It really can be sourced from anywhere - more interesting or unusual sources may be a good thing, but don't go out of your way to make this the focus of your suggestion - but it must follow a few set guidelines:
- It must have some sort of depth to it (i.e. a second reading, an implied meaning, metaphor etc...). This does not mean it must be a deep, philosophical statement, but it must be more than superficial.
- It should convey some interesting imagery, emotion, ideology etc... It may also relate a physical scene, but it is better if I avoid doing a literal interpretation in my final product.
- I should suggest the above ^ clearly and effectively.
- '1984' by George Orwell
- Albert Einstein
- 'King Lear' by Shakespeare
- Cicero
- Beowulf
- 'The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams
- 'Watchmen' by Allen Moore
- 'The Gunslinger' by Stephen King
- Beyond Good and Evil (the game)
Flay on
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Sun Tzu - The Art of War
Between the two of those, you'll have enough proverbs and deep quotes to make a hundred posters, and most of the famous lines are unknown to western audiences.
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
against something like this:
not really that rare of a quote though, but it is inspirational.
- Jorge Luis Borges
Also see:
Dhammapada, and other Buddhist sayings.
Hua He Ching
Proverbs (The Bible)
Zen Koans
To gild refined gold, to paint the lilly,
to throw perfume on the violet... is just fucking silly.
Here's the video of the entire thing if you're interested (tiny urled because I didn't want to embed a video in the page... if there's a better way to stop that, let me know).
Tolkein loved nature, and the simple things in life, like sharing good food, drink and song with friends. You could probably find a nice quote, or a passage from one of his books.
A lot of comedians seem to value things like tolerance and knowledge a great deal as well. Bill Hicks does a little bit about diverting the money that funds weapons and war into things like education, feeding and sheltering the poor (throughout the world) and instead uniting the world in space exploration. You could likely find some fairly deep, and perhaps witty quotes from others.
This is pretty great.
Your list of requirements reminded me of a line from Derek Walcott's modern-day epic Omeros (7.LXIV.iii):
"And when he left the beach the sea was still going on."
I remember hearing Walcott read that once and getting a shiver down my spine a split second later. I've lived next to an ocean my whole life, and I've never heard a better, more complete way to describe it. It's tranquil and calming and chaotic and dangerous and terrifying and life-giving and destroying and fragile and so many other different adjectives because it's so broad and transititive and alive that the only way you can ever really describe it is happening.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all it's sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-- Max Ehrmann