I shall go on shining as a brilliantly meaningless figure in a meaningless world.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the idea that one can maintain their individuality and brilliance even in a world that seems devoid of inherent meaning.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's quote reflects a sense of existentialism, acknowledging the absurdity and lack of meaning in life while asserting one's own light and presence in the world. It suggests that despite the chaos and senselessness that surround us, individuals have the power to shine through their own unique characteristics and contributions, creating their own significance rather than relying on external validation.
In practice
This quote could be used in a philosophical discussion about the meaning of life.
Don't be so anxious about it,' she laughed. 'I'm not used to being loved. I wouldn't know what to do; I never got the trick of it.' She looked down at him, shy and fatigued. 'So here we are. I told you years ago that I had the makings of Cinderella.' He took her hand; she drew it back instinctively and then replaced it in his. 'Beg your pardon. Not even used to being touched. But I'm not afraid of you, if you stay quiet and don't move suddenly.
The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
It was about then [1920] that I wrote a line which certain people will not let me forget: "She was a faded but still lovely woman of twenty-seven."
The words seemed to bite physically into Gatsby.
But you can love more than just one person, can't you?
A sudden gust of rain blew over them and then another - as if small liquid clouds were bouncing along the land. Lightning entered the sea far off and the air blew full of crackling thunder. The table cloths blew around the pillars. They blew and blew and blew. The flags twisted around the red chairs like live things, the banners were ragged, the corners of the table tore off through the burbling billowing ends of the cloths.
All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women.
A vivid thought brings the power to paint it; and in proportion to the depth of its source is the force of its projection.
Cynicism means the conduit to the soul has a great kink in it, like a garden hose in which nothing flows in either direction.
Patience and boredom are closely related. Boredom, a certain kind of boredom, is really impatience. You don't like the way things are, they aren't interesting enough for you, so you deccide- and boredom is a decision-that you are bored.
The little man is still a man.
The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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