There are horrors beyond life's edge that we do not suspect, and once in a while man's evil prying calls them just within our range.
H. P. LovecraftRead
I have no illusions concerning the precarious status of my tales and do not expect to become a serious competitor of my favorite weird authors.
Interpretation
The author acknowledges the fragile nature of his stories and his admiration for other writers.
In this quote, H. P. Lovecraft expresses humility and realism about his own literary ambitions. He recognizes that, despite his passion for storytelling, he does not harbor delusions of becoming a significant rival to his favorite authors, who he deems more accomplished and influential in the genre of weird fiction. This reflects a deep appreciation for the craft and a realistic view of his position within it.
In practice
During a panel discussion on aspiring writers, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of recognizing one's own journey in the literary world.
There are horrors beyond life's edge that we do not suspect, and once in a while man's evil prying calls them just within our range.
I know always that I am an outsider; a stranger in this century and among those who are still men.
Searchers after horror haunt strange, far places.
The process of delving into the black abyss is to me the keenest form of fascination.
No new horror can be more terrible than the daily torture of the commonplace.
I am, indeed, an absolute materialist so far as actual belief goes; with not a shred of credence in any form of supernaturalism—religion, spiritualism, transcendentalism, metempsychosis, or immortality.
Whatever else there may be in our nature, responsibility toward truth is one of its attributes.
Isn't it the sweetest mockery to mock our enemies?
Look at me as many times as you wish, _x000D_ but you won’t get to know me! _x000D_ Since you have last seen me, _x000D_ I’ve changed a hundred times!
We call a man a bigot or a slave of dogma because he is a thinker who has thought thoroughly and to a definite end.
A true worshipper is one whose mind has not been defiled with any false belief.
What can this world offer comparable with that insight into spiritual things, that keen faith, that heavenly peace, that high sanctity, that everlasting righteousness, that hope of glory, which they have, who in sincerity love and follow our Lord Jesus Christ?
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.