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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses a desire for introspection and the need for uninterrupted thought.
Virginia Woolf articulates a longing for a tranquil mental space that allows for deep reflection without the distractions and challenges of the external world. She seeks the freedom to explore her thoughts fluidly, feeling a deep connection away from the rigid and often harsh realities of life.
Themes
IntrospectionQuietnessReflectionThoughtCalm
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation session, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of creating a peaceful mental environment.
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 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
I really don't advise a woman who wants to have things her own way to get married
Virginia WoolfRead
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