Perhaps our only sickness is to desire a truth which we cannot bear rather than to rest content with the fictions we manufacture out of each other.
Lawrence DurrellRead
The whole Mediterranean, the sculpture, the palm, the gold beads, the bearded heroes, the wine, the ideas, the ships, the moonlight, the winged gorgons, the bronze men, the philosophers - all of it seems to rise in the sour, pungent taste of these black olives between the teeth. A taste older than meat, older than wine. A taste as old as cold water.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the deep cultural and historical significance of olives, connecting them to ancient Mediterranean civilization.
Lawrence Durrell's quote evokes a vivid image of the Mediterranean region, illustrating how its rich history, art, and culture are embodied in the simple yet profound taste of black olives. By emphasizing the age and timelessness of olives, Durrell highlights their connection to the essence of Mediterranean life, symbolizing not only sustenance but also the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations and their contributions to art and philosophy.
Themes
MediterraneanCultureOlivesHistoryArtSustenancePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the significance of Mediterranean cuisine at a culinary event.
More from Lawrence Durrell
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The heaviest impact of the work of art is in the guts. Art does not reason. It manhandles you and changes you.
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Like all young men I set out to be a genius, but mercifully laughter intervened.
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We are the children of our landscape; it dictates behavior and even thought in the measure to which we are responsive to it.
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