Ramakrishna (1836–1886) Indian mystic and religious preacher
Source: The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (1942), p. 274
As quoted in Ramakrishna : Prophet of New India (1948) by Swami Nikhilananda, p. 77
Context: In the Kaliyuga, man, being totally dependent on food for life, cannot altogether shake off the idea that he is the body. In this state of mind it is not proper for him to say: "I am He". When a man does all sorts of worldly things, he should not say, "I am Brahman". Those who cannot give up attachment to worldly things, and who find no means to shake off the feeling of "I", should rather cherish the idea, "I am God's servant; I am His devotee."
Ramakrishna (1836–1886) Indian mystic and religious preacher
Source: The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (1942), p. 274
“The face is its own fate — a man does what he must —
And the body underneath it says: I am.”
Randall Jarrell (1914–1965) poet, critic, novelist, essayist
"The Knight, Death and the Devil," lines 34-39
The Seven-League Crutches (1951)
Context: Death and the devil, what are these to him?
His being accuses him — and yet his face is firm
In resolution, in absolute persistence;
The folds of smiling do for steadiness;
The face is its own fate — a man does what he must —
And the body underneath it says: I am.
Edward German (1862–1936) English musician and composer
German's exasperation with the perception of fellow composer Coates imitating his own style, in a letter to his sister Rachel (4 January, 1925)
Julien Benda (1867–1956) French essayist
Source: Treason of the Intellectuals (1927), p. 149
Seneca the Younger book Epistulae morales ad Lucilium
Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium (Moral Letters to Lucilius), Letter LXXVI: On Learning Wisdom in Old Age
Anwar Ibrahim (1947) Malaysian politician
Anwar Ibrahim said during the Port Dickson bi-election campaign rally, quoted on Channel News Asia, "'I love him as a father and a leader': Anwar, Mahathir in show of unity at by-election rally" https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/anwar-ibrahim-mahathir-port-dickson-by-election-pakatan-10805828, 9 October 2018.
Mark Heard (1951–1992) American musician and record producer
Life in the Industry: A Musician's Diary
“When a wise man does not understand, he says: "I do not understand."”
Frank Herbert book The Godmakers
The fool and the uncultured are ashamed of their ignorance. They remain silent when a question could bring them wisdom.
The Godmakers (1972)