We had yet to learn that the Devil created youth so that we could make our mistakes, and that God established maturity and old age so that we could pay for them.
Carlos Ruiz ZafonRead
There are two things in life you cannot choose. The first is your enemies; the second your family. Sometimes the difference between them is hard to see, but in the end time will show you that the cards you have been dealt could always have been worse.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We cannot choose our enemies or family, but we can learn from our experiences over time.
This quote highlights the inevitability of certain relationships in life, specifically those with family and adversaries. Carlos Ruiz Zafón suggests that while we may struggle to distinguish the true nature of our relationships, ultimately time reveals the value of our experiences, and we should recognize that despite challenges, our circumstances could always be worse.
Themes
LifeFamilyEnemiesTimeRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a discussion about the complexities of family dynamics at a gathering.
More from Carlos Ruiz Zafon
All quotes →The haunting of history is ever present in Barcelona. I see cities as organisms, as living creatures. To me, Madrid is a man and Barcelona is a woman. And it's a woman who's extremely vain.
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I think today will be the day. Today our luck will change,' I proclaimed on the wings of the first coffee of the day, pure optimism in a liquid state.
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We spend a good part of our lives dreaming, especially when we're awake.
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Destiny is usually just around the corner. Like a thief, a hooker, or a lottery vendor: its three most common personifications. But what destiny does not do is home visits. You have to go for it.
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Destiny doesn't do home visits... you have to go for it yourself.
Carlos Ruiz ZafonRead
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