And so everything I see in this world, it all moves backward and forward at the same time, like a black-smith's bellows, like everything in my press, turning into its opposite at the command of the red and green buttons, and that's what makes the world go round.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that everything in the world is in a constant state of change, moving in opposing directions simultaneously.
Bohumil Hrabal's quote reflects on the duality of existence, portraying a world where contrasting forces are always at play. It draws a vivid image of the interplay between opposites—like the bellows of a blacksmith, which inflate and deflate—suggesting that this dynamic is fundamental to the rhythm of life itself. The mention of 'red and green buttons' symbolizes the choices and commands that drive these transformations, ultimately capturing the complex nature of reality where things often become their opposite.
In practice
In a discussion about the nature of reality, this quote could help illustrate the concept of duality.
The bond between a man and his profession is similar to that which ties him to his country; it is just as complex, often ambivalent, and in general it is understood completely only when it is broken: by exile or emigration in the case of one's country, by retirement in the case of a trade or profession.
The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.
Those who are pure in heart and single in purpose are able to understand the most supreme Way. It is like polishing a mirror, which becomes bright when the dust is removed. Remove your passions, and have no hankering.
The act of memory is an act of ghostwriting.
A community where everyone is a ruthless murderer, with handy access to death-dealing devices, is a very polite community.
One has to reach to the absolute state of awareness: that is Zen. You cannot do it every morning for a few minutes or for half an hour and then forget all about it. It has to become like your heartbeat. You have to sit in it, you have to walk in it. Yes, you have even to sleep in it.
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