You live in a deranged age, more deranged that usual, because in spite of great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest idea of who he is or what he is doing.
Walker PercyRead
Since grief only aggravates your loss, grieve not for what is past.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Grieving for what is lost only deepens the feeling of loss; it's better to let go of the past.
Walker Percyβs quote emphasizes the idea that dwelling on grief can hinder healing and prevent moving forward in life. Instead of continuing to mourn what has already been lost, he suggests adopting a mindset that focuses on the present and future, encouraging individuals to embrace life despite their losses.
Themes
GriefLossHealingPastMoving Forward
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
More from Walker Percy
All quotes βThey all think any minute I'm going to commit suicide. What a joke. The truth of course is the exact opposite: suicide is the only thing that keeps me alive. Whenever everything else fails, all I have to do is consider suicide and in two seconds I'm as cheerful as a nitwit. But if I could not kill myself -- ah then, I would. I can do without nembutal or murder mysteries but not without suicide.
Walker PercyRead
It is possible, however, that the artist is both thin-skinned and prophetic and, like the canary lowered into the mine shaft to test the air, has caught a whiff of something lethal.
Walker PercyRead
Why is it that one can look at a lion or a planet or an owl or at someone's finger as long as one pleases, but looking into the eyes of another person is, if prolonged past a second, a perilous affair?
Walker PercyRead
We love those who know the worst of us and don't turn their faces away.
Walker PercyRead
Before, I wandered as a diversion. Now I wander seriously and sit and read as a diversion.
Walker PercyRead
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