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When all is said and done, we exist only in relation to the world, and our senses evolved as scouts who bridge that divide and provide volumes of information, warnings and rewards.
Diane Ackerman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Our existence is defined by our relationship with the world, and our senses help us navigate it.

Diane Ackerman’s quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of human existence and the external world. It suggests that our senses, which have evolved over time, serve as essential tools that allow us to perceive and interpret our environment, signaling both dangers and delights. This relationship is fundamental to our understanding and experience of life, as it shapes our interactions and informs our responses to the world around us.

Themes

ExistenceSensesRelationshipInformationNavigation

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about human perception at a philosophy seminar.

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Quote by Diane Ackerman | QuoteProject