Custom will reconcile people to any atrocity, and fashion will drive them to acquire any custom.
George Bernard ShawRead
We thrust our fingers into our ears to stop its moan; but it was no good; the cry cut like a drill into our heads, dragging minutes into hours, hours into years. We withered and grew old between those cries.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the unavoidable nature of time and suffering, illustrating how we cannot escape the pain of existence.
Ernst Toller’s quote poignantly captures the idea that despite our attempts to ignore or silence the pain and suffering in our lives, it persists relentlessly. The vivid imagery of time stretching painfully emphasizes how enduring these cries of anguish can make us feel as though time itself is being warped, causing significant life change and aging, highlighting the importance of confronting rather than retreating from our struggles.
Themes
TimeSufferingPainExistenceAging
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity, you might say, 'As Toller reminds us, ignoring pain doesn't make it disappear; we must confront it to truly live.'
Similar quotes
Walk any path in Destiny's garden, and you will be forced to choose, not once but many times.
Neil GaimanRead
I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.
George McgovernRead
A priest once quoted to me the Roman saying that a religion is dead when the priests laugh at each other across the altar. I always laugh at the altar, be it Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist, because real religion is the transformation of anxiety into laughter.
Alan WattsRead
I've had to come to grips with a God that fits my own experience, which is, my God could not be offering protection and not have protected my boy.
Elizabeth EdwardsRead
The same principles which at first view lead to skepticism, pursued to a certain point, bring men back to common sense.
George BerkeleyRead