We were put here as witnesses to the miracle of life. We see the stars, and we want them. We are beholden to give back to the universe. If we make landfall on another star system, we become immortal.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the wonder of existence and our responsibility to contribute to the universe.
Ray Bradbury's quote emphasizes the beauty and significance of life, suggesting that as witnesses to the marvels of the universe, we have a duty to give back. By exploring and reaching out to other star systems, we not only seek immortality but also create a legacy that connects us to the cosmos, highlighting our role within a larger context.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a graduation speech, inspiring graduates to appreciate life and contribute to the world.
I've written about 2,000 short stories; I've only published 300 and I feel I'm still learning. Any man who keeps working is not a failure. He may not be a great writer, but if he applies the old fashioned virtues of hard, constant labor, he'll eventually make some kind of career for himself as a writer. Ray Bradbury, 1967 interview (Doing the Math - that means for every story he sold, he wrote six "un-publishable" ones. Keep typing!)
I never went to college, so I went to the library.
There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.
I think the sun is a flower, That blooms for just one hour.
The first thing a writer should be is - excited. He should be a thing of fevers and enthusiasms. Without such vigor, he might as well be out picking peaches or digging ditches; God knows it'd be better for his health.
You can't try to do things; you simply must do them.
When I was in Holland, the idea was, all cultures are equal and all are to be preserved. My idea was, no, all humans are equal, but not all cultures are equal.
Europe and the world are waiting for us to defend the spirit of the enlightenment everywhere.
Man has his future within him, dynamically alive at this present moment.
Remember that you will create peace only when you are peaceful.
It is not easy to convey a sense of wonder, let alone resurrection wonder, to another. It’s the very nature of wonder to catch us off guard, to circumvent expectations and assumptions. Wonder can’t be packaged, and it can’t be worked up. It requires some sense of being there and some sense of engagement.
I never killed anybody and I never developed an intense level of hatred for the enemy. Because my war ended before I ever put on a uniform; I was on active duty all my time at school; I killed my enemy there.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.