The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
There are the stars--doing their old, old crisscross journeys in the sky. Scholars haven't settled the matter yet, but they seem to think there are no living beings out there. Just chalk... or fire. Only this one is straining away, straining away all the time to make something of itself. Strain's so bad that every sixteen hours everybody lies down and gets a rest.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on human striving and the seeming emptiness of the universe, contrasting our efforts with the vastness of space.
Thornton Wilder's quote examines the relentless human pursuit for meaning and purpose amidst an indifferent universe. While scholars ponder the existence of life beyond our world, Wilder suggests that our own lives are characterized by a constant struggle to create significance. The imagery of stars and their 'old crisscross journeys' serves as a metaphor for the enduring yet often futile efforts of humans, who exhaust themselves in this quest, pausing only to rest before resuming their striving.
Themes
StrivingUniverseMeaningLifePurpose
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech on the importance of perseverance, this quote can inspire the audience to keep striving for their goals.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
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Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
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Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
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I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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