QuoteProject
The naming of cats is a difficult matter. It isn't just one of your holiday games. You may think at first I'm mad as a hatter. When I tell you a cat must have three different names.
T. S. Eliot
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Naming cats symbolizes the complexity of identity and individuality.

In this quote, T. S. Eliot illustrates the intricate nature of naming and identity through the metaphor of cats. He suggests that a name is more than a label; it reflects the multifaceted personality and essence of the individual, highlighting the importance of recognizing different aspects of one's character.

Themes

CatsIdentityNamesComplexityIndividuality

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a discussion about the importance of names in literature.

More from T. S. Eliot

There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
T. S. EliotRead
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
T. S. EliotRead
For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
T. S. EliotRead

Similar quotes

Usually, I have a lot of acquaintance with the story before I start writing it. When I didn't have regular time to give to writing, stories would just be working in my head for so long that when I started to write I was deep into them. Now, I do that work by filling notebooks.
Alice MunroRead
I can write a poem in 10 minutes. I like writing songs; I can write songs in 5 or 10 minutes. My concentration seems very short.
Shel SilversteinRead
Real music will help you move towards meditation, beyond the mind needs, towards spiritual needs. Real poetry will give you a glimpse of the minds of the sages - a glimpse of course. It will open a window so you can see the faraway distant Himalayas. And then an urge arises in you, and you start travelling.
RajneeshRead
A film is - or should be - more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what's behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later.
Stanley KubrickRead
In a mood of faith and hope my work goes on. A ream of fresh paper lies on my desk waiting for the next book. I am a writer and I take up my pen to write.
Pearl S. BuckRead
You belong to me and all Paris belongs to me and I belong to this notebook and this pencil.
Ernest HemingwayRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.