“It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal.”
- June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968
- American
- Author, educator, human rights activist
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Quote
“It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal.”
Explanation
Helen Keller’s quote speaks to the idea of personal growth and perseverance. Instead of asking for easier tasks or fewer challenges, she suggests that we should pray or strive for the strength and ability to meet the tasks at hand. In this view, difficulty becomes an opportunity for growth, and the challenges we face are seen as means to build our inner strength. Keller emphasizes that life’s journey requires a passion and determination that pushes us toward our goals, no matter how distant or difficult they may seem.
Keller’s own life serves as a profound example of this mindset. Born deaf and blind, she faced challenges that would have seemed insurmountable to many. Yet, she never asked for an easier life. Instead, she worked tirelessly to develop the skills and abilities necessary to overcome her obstacles, eventually achieving remarkable success as an author, activist, and educator. Her quote reflects her belief that the journey toward any great goal requires resilience and the continual development of personal strength to rise to the occasion.
In modern times, this quote encourages us to embrace challenges, rather than shrink from them. Whether facing personal setbacks, professional hurdles, or societal issues, Keller’s words remind us that it’s not the tasks we face that define us, but our ability to grow and rise to meet them. For instance, when people face adversity—whether financial struggles, health problems, or emotional hardships—they can choose to build their inner resources to tackle these challenges. By praying or hoping for the strength to meet challenges rather than for their removal, individuals can move forward with renewed purpose and determination, always striving toward their own distant goals.
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