Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
Human beings make a strange fauna and flora. From a distance they appear negligible; close up they are apt to appear ugly and malicious. More than anything they need to be surrounded with sufficient space―space even more than time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People can seem unimportant from afar, but up close, their complexities and flaws become evident, highlighting their need for space to thrive.
In this quote, Henry Miller reflects on the duality of human nature, suggesting that while humans may seem insignificant when viewed from a distance, up close, their imperfections and darker traits emerge. He emphasizes the necessity of space for individuals, indicating that personal freedom and distance are crucial for them to develop and express themselves fully, surpassing even the importance of time.
Themes
Human NatureSpaceComplexityFreedomPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a discussion about personal development at a motivational seminar.
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
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