This nice and subtle happiness of reading, this joy not chilled by age, this polite and unpunished vice, this selfish, serene life-long intoxication.
Logan Pearsall SmithRead
The indefatigable pursuit of an unattainable perfection -even though nothing more than the pounding of an old piano -is what alone gives a meaning to our life on this unavailing star.
Interpretation
The relentless chase for perfection, despite its impossibility, is what adds significance to our existence.
This quote suggests that striving for an elusive ideal of perfection, although it may seem futile, is what ultimately provides purpose to our lives. The metaphor of the 'pounding of an old piano' illustrates the idea that even repetitive or seemingly fruitless efforts contribute to the richness of the human experience, especially on a planet that may feel indifferent to our struggles.
In practice
In a motivational speech discussing the importance of persistence in personal goals.
This nice and subtle happiness of reading, this joy not chilled by age, this polite and unpunished vice, this selfish, serene life-long intoxication.
Many a professing Christian is a stumbling-block because his worship is divided. On Sunday he worships God; on weekdays God has little or no place in his thoughts.
Some people take the view that we happen by accident. I think that there is something much deeper, of which we have very little inkling at the moment.
Reality must take precedence over public relations, for nature cannot be fooled.
Hell is a half-filled auditorium.
All roads lead to Trantor, says the old proverb, and that is where all stars end.
It is almost impossible to state what one in fact believes, because it is almost impossible to hold a belief and to define it at the same time.
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