This upper limit, of earth at our feet is visible and touches the air, but below it reaches to infinity
XenophanesRead
I write for one and only one purpose, to overcome the invincible ignorance of the traduced heart. I wish to speak to and for those who have had enough of the Social Lie, the Economics of Mass Murder, the Sexual Hoax, and the Domestication of Conspicuous Consumption.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes writing as a means to confront societal ignorance and injustice.
Kenneth Rexroth's quote reflects on the power of writing as a tool for addressing and challenging the deep-rooted misconceptions and moral failures in society. It highlights the author's intention to give voice to individuals who are weary of societal falsehoods, including issues related to economic exploitation, sexuality, and consumerism, suggesting that literature can provoke thought and inspire change.
In practice
During a public speaking event about social justice, one might quote this to emphasize the role of literature in confronting ignorance.
This upper limit, of earth at our feet is visible and touches the air, but below it reaches to infinity
The full meaning of life, the collective meaning of all human desires, is fundamentally a mystery beyond our grasp. As a young man, I chafed at this state of affairs. But by now I have made peace with it. I even feel a certain honor to be associated with such a mystery.
Philosophers there are who try to make themselves believe that this life is happy; but they believe it only while they are saying it, and never yet produced conviction in a single mind.
In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion.
A woman can walk miles without making one single step forward. As a child born in a harem, I instinctively knew that to live is to open closed doors. To live is to look outside. To live is to step out. Life is trespassing.
Every person passing through this life will unknowingly leave something and take something away. Most of this “something” cannot be seen or heard or numbered or scientifically detected or counted. It’s what we leave in the minds of other people and what they leave in ours. Memory. The census doesn’t count it. Nothing counts without it.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.