I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.
Virginia WoolfRead
For now she need not think of anybody. She coud be herself, by herself. And that was what now she often felt the need of - to think; well not even to think. To be silent; to be alone. All the being and the doing, expansive, glittering, vocal, evaporated; and one shrunk, with a sense of solemnity, to being oneself, a wedge-shaped core of darkness, something invisible to others... and this self having shed its attachments was free for the strangest adventures.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of solitude and self-discovery, highlighting the freedom that comes from being alone and reflecting inwardly.
Virginia Woolf's quote reflects a deep exploration of the self and the profound freedom found in solitude. It indicates a moment where an individual can detach from social expectations and distractions, allowing for introspection and personal growth. The emphasis on the 'wedge-shaped core of darkness' suggests that within each person lies a unique and often unexplored essence that can only surface in moments of silence and solitude. This solitude liberates one's spirit, opening pathways to new, unconventional experiences and adventures, underscoring the value of being alone with one's thoughts to truly know oneself.
Themes
SolitudeSelf-DiscoveryFreedomIntrospectionAdventure
In practice
Example use cases
A person might use this quote while discussing the benefits of meditation and quiet time in a wellness seminar.
More from Virginia Woolf
All quotes →Death is woven in with the violets,” said Louis. “Death and again death.”)
Virginia WoolfRead
He began to search among the infinite series of impressions which time had laid down, leaf upon leaf, fold upon fold softly, incessantly upon his brain; among scents, sounds; voices, harsh, hollow, sweet; and lights passing, and brooms tapping; and the wash and hush of the sea.
Virginia WoolfRead
I want to think quietly, calmly, spaciously, never to be interrupted, never to have to rise from my chair, to slip easily from one thing to another, without any sense of hostility, or obstacle. I want to sink deeper and deeper, away from the surface, with its hard separate facts.
Virginia WoolfRead
I do think all good and evil comes from words. I have to tune myself into a good temper with something musical, and I run to a book as a child to its mother.
Virginia WoolfRead
London perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets... To walk alone through London is the greatest rest.
Virginia WoolfRead
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