Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
Some lives are tragic, some ridiculous. Most are both at once.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is a complex mix of tragedy and absurdity.
This quote by Edward Abbey reflects on the dual nature of human existence, suggesting that life encompasses both tragic and absurd experiences. It highlights the idea that most lives are intertwined with sorrow while also being marked by the ridiculous instances that occur, embodying the paradoxical nature of the human experience.
Themes
LifeTragedyAbsurdityExperienceHuman Existence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming challenges, one might quote Abbey to illustrate the complexity of life's struggles.
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes βI love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
Edward AbbeyRead
If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
Edward AbbeyRead
The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
Edward AbbeyRead
I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
Edward AbbeyRead
Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead
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We abandon the most important journey of our lives when we abandon desire. We leave our hearts by the side of the road and head off in the direction of fitting in, getting by, being productive, what have you. Whatever we might gain β money, position, the approval of others, or just absence of the discontent self β itβs not worth it.
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