The skull regarded Ralph like one who knows all the answers and won't tell.
William GoldingRead
Consider a man riding a bicycle. Whoever he is, we can say three things about him. We know he got on the bicycle and started to move. We know that at some point he will stop and get off. Most important of all, we know that if at any point between the beginning and the end of his journey he stops moving and does not get off the bicycle he will fall off it. That is a metaphor for the journey through life of any living thing, and I think of any society of living things.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is a continuous journey where movement is essential for progress and stability.
In this quote, William Golding uses the metaphor of a man riding a bicycle to illustrate the journey of life. Just as a cyclist must keep moving to maintain balance and prevent falling off, individuals and societies must continue to move forward in life to sustain growth and avoid stagnation. The idea emphasizes that stopping in one's journey can lead to negative consequences, making it crucial to persist and adapt as part of the experience of living.
Themes
LifeJourneyMovementProgressGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about perseverance and resilience.
More from William Golding
All quotes →Maybe, he said hesitantly, maybe there is a beast. The assembly cried out savagely and Ralph stood up in amazement. You, Simon? You believe in this? I don't know, said Simon. His heartbeats were choking him. [...] Ralph shouted. Hear him! He's got the conch! What I mean is . . . maybe it's only us. Nuts! That was from Piggy, shocked out of decorum.
William GoldingRead
The mask was a thing on it's own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-conciousness.
William GoldingRead
Man produces evil as a bee produces honey.
William GoldingRead
Utopias are presented for our inspection as a critique of the human state.
William GoldingRead
Together, joined in effort by the burden, they staggered up the last steep of the mountain. Together, they chanted One! Two! Three! and crashed the log on to the great pile. Then they stepped back, laughing with triumphant pleasure.
William GoldingRead
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