Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
If I were reading a book and happened to strike a wonderful passage I would close the book then and there and go for a walk. I hated the thought of coming to the end of a good book. I would tease it along, delay the inevitable as long as possible, But always, when I hit a great passage, I would stop reading immediately. Out I would go, rain, hail, snow or ice, and chew the cud.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the joy of savoring great moments in literature by taking time to reflect on them in nature.
Henry Miller shares his love for literature and the profound experiences that come from reading. He conveys how certain passages in books can evoke such emotional responses that he feels compelled to pause and reflect on them outdoors, allowing nature to enhance his contemplation. This practice illustrates a deep appreciation for the beauty of words and the desire to extend moments of insight rather than rush through them.
Themes
ReadingBooksReflectionNatureLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
In a book club discussion, one might quote Miller to emphasize the importance of pausing to reflect on significant passages.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes →I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Similar quotes
It's not a matter of learning lines. It's a matter of getting into the ideas and the will of the person. It's a matter of, 'What does he want to do? What does he want to achieve?'
Max Von SydowRead
The poet is one who is able to keep the fresh vision of the child alive.
Anais NinRead
He wanted to cry quietly but not for himself: for the words, so beautiful and sad, like music.
James JoyceRead
In art, at a certain level, there is no 'better than.' It's just about trying to operate for yourself on the most supreme level, artistically, that you can and hoping that people get it.
Frank OceanRead
I think of Ray Harryhausen's work - I knew his name before I knew any actor or director's names. His films had an impact on me very early on, probably even more than Disney. I think that's what made me interested in animation: His work.
Tim BurtonRead
The experience of reading a printed comic book will never change, but now, thanks to the digital age, there are many different ways to enjoy the same story. Digital comic books, of course, can be interactive in many different ways, allowing the reader to feel like a participant in the story.
Stan LeeRead