HighHellsInHell

“It is true that the idea of virtuous self-sacrifice is deeply embedded in Western culture (at least insofar as the West has been influenced by Christianity, which is based on the imitation of someone who performed the ultimate act of self-sacrifice). Any claim that the Golden Rule does not mean “sacrifice yourself for others” might therefore appear dubious. But Christ’s archetypal death exists as an example of how to accept finitude, betrayal and tyranny heroically—how to walk with God despite the tragedy of self-conscious knowledge—and not as a directive to victimize ourselves in the service of others. To sacrifice ourselves to God (to the highest good, if you like) does not mean to suffer silently and willingly when some person or organization demands more from us, consistently, than is offered in return. That means we are supporting tyranny, and allowing ourselves to be treated like slaves. It is not virtuous to be victimized by a bully, even if that bully is oneself.”
― Jordan B. Peterson, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

“It’s possible that all those little moments that meant so much to me never meant quite the same thing to him. It’s possible that he didn’t reach out to me for two full years because, when we stopped speaking, he didn’t lose something precious the way that I did.”
― Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation

“We are talking about probably the first man in my life who really saw me, who ever really understood me, who had so much in common with me... and he still didn't love me. When you find that rare person who really knows who you are and they still don't love you... I was burning.”
― Taylor Jenkins Reid, Daisy Jones & The Six

“She searches his face. “Do I know you?” He bows his head over hers. “You are the only one who does.”
― V.E. Schwab, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue