Jump off. You are a protected individual. Do not fear.
Henry MillerRead
They were painfully clean. But inwardly they stank. Never once had they opened the door which leads to the soul; never once did they dream of taking a blind leap into the dark.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques those who appear perfect on the outside but lack authenticity within.
Henry Miller's quote reflects on the discord between outward appearances and inward realities. It suggests that many people present a meticulously curated facade, labeled as 'painfully clean,' but neglect the deeper exploration of their true selves, which leads to a profound lack of authenticity. The mention of 'opening the door which leads to the soul' implies that real fulfillment comes from introspection and embracing life's uncertainties, represented by the 'blind leap into the dark'.
Themes
AuthenticitySelf-ExplorationAppearancesIntrospectionSoul
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational talk about self-acceptance.
More from Henry Miller
All quotes →I saw through to the last sign and symbol, but I could not read her face. I could see only the eyes shining through, huge, fleshy-like luminous beasts, as though I were swimming behind them in the electric effluvia of her incandescent vision.
Henry MillerRead
The essential thing is to WANT to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
Great God! What have I turned into? What right have you people to clutter up my life, steal my time, probe my soul, suckle my thoughts, have me for your companion, confidant, and information bureau? What do you take me for? Am I an entertainer on salary, required every evening to play an intellectual farce under your stupid noses? Am I a slave, bought and paid for, to crawl on my belly in front of you idlers and lay at your feet all that I do and all that I know?
Henry MillerRead
We are swimming on the face of time and all else has drowned, is drowning, or will drown.
Henry MillerRead
To sing you must first open your mouth. You must have a pair of lungs, and a little knowledge of music. It is not necessary to have an accordion, or a guitar. The essential thing is to want to sing. This then is a song. I am singing.
Henry MillerRead
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