The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
It is only in appearance that time is a river. It is rather a vast landscape and it is the eye of the beholder that moves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Time is perceived differently by individuals, much like a landscape viewed from various angles.
This quote by Thornton Wilder suggests that time, while often thought of as a flowing river, is not continuous but rather a vast landscape that can be interpreted in multiple ways. It reveals that our perception of time is subjective and influenced by our experiences and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of individual interpretation in understanding the passage of time.
Themes
TimePerceptionLandscapeSubjectivityInterpretation
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a discussion about how personal experiences shape our understanding of time.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Thornton WilderRead
Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
Thornton WilderRead
When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Thornton WilderRead
Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
Thornton WilderRead
I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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