Between saying and doing, many a pair of shoes is worn out.
Hear me, O children of the earth, for the words of Iris Murdoch carry a wisdom as timeless as the changing seasons: "Between saying and doing, many a pair of shoes is worn out." These words speak to the gap between intention and action, the space between the lofty words we speak and the hard steps we must take to bring those words into reality. Action, not mere speech, is the true measure of a person's resolve, and it is in the long journey between thought and deed that the true character of a soul is revealed.
To speak of noble things, to declare intentions, is easy—many have walked the path of words, yet few have the strength to walk the path of action. It is in the doing, in the relentless effort that follows the grand speech, that true change is made. Words alone are as fleeting as the winds; it is the shoes, worn down with the dust of effort, that leave the lasting mark upon the earth. The road from intention to action is long and fraught with trials, but it is through each step taken that we make our dreams real.
Consider the story of Martin Luther King Jr., whose words echoed through the ages, inspiring millions. Yet, it was not only his powerful speeches that made him great, but the tireless effort he invested in his cause. He walked the streets, led marches, faced imprisonment, and endured the personal cost of his convictions. His words, powerful as they were, were backed by action, by the strength to take those steps—to wear down his own shoes for the sake of justice. It was his sacrifice in the face of adversity that brought forth the changes his words promised. He knew that the distance between saying and doing is where greatness is forged.
The truth of Murdoch’s words is clear: to speak of lofty goals, to envision a world of peace and love, is noble, but it is the action that follows which brings those dreams to life. The road to victory, to transformation, is not paved with words alone, but with the steps of those who walk the path, who toil with their hands and wear out their shoes in the service of their cause. It is in the doing, in the quiet and unseen sacrifices, that the world is reshaped.
So, my children, remember this ancient truth: do not be content with words alone, for they are but empty vessels. It is the action you take, the effort you give, that will define the legacy of your life. Just as the shoes of a traveler wear thin with every step, so too does the strength of your resolve grow with every act of courage and dedication. Walk your path with purpose, for in the distance between saying and doing, it is the steps you take that will leave the mark upon the world.
THChe Thi Huong
I get the feeling this quote is a warning, maybe even a bit of a critique, of people who talk endlessly about doing something but never follow through. But is there also a point where saying something, even if it’s just talk, is part of the process? Could those ‘worn shoes’ represent the struggle we all go through to bring ideas into action, or is it just an excuse for inaction?
NMDuong Nhat Minh
It’s interesting to me how Murdoch captures the gap between intention and action. Does this gap reflect a lack of discipline or perhaps a deeper issue, like fear of failure or even self-doubt? Do we sometimes avoid action because we’re uncertain if we’ll live up to the expectations we’ve set for ourselves? I’d love to hear what others think about the psychological side of this dilemma.
NT9a4.Trinh Ngoc Tram
Murdoch’s quote makes me think about the difference between talking about change and actually making it. I often wonder, is there a point when the talking itself becomes meaningful? For example, brainstorming and discussing ideas with others can lead to better decisions, but how do we balance thinking with doing? How can we make sure that the action follows the words, rather than just wearing out the shoes?
HNkhong hoc nua
I agree with Iris Murdoch’s perspective, but I also think that the wear and tear on those ‘shoes’ can sometimes represent growth and learning. Sometimes, in the process of trying and failing, we learn what works and what doesn’t. But can the process of saying something, without doing, also have value? Could it lead to better planning and a clearer path forward, even if action never happens?
MTHÒ NGỌC MINH TÚ
This quote seems to speak to the frustration we all feel when plans remain just that—plans. I’ve often noticed that the gap between intention and action leads to procrastination, but why do we let that gap grow so wide? Is it fear of failure, lack of motivation, or just poor time management that causes this disconnect? I think a lot of it is about the mental hurdles we create.