God how I hate new countries: They are older than the old, more sophisticated, much more conceited, only young in a certain puerile vanity more like senility than anything.
D. H. LawrenceRead
The world of men is dreaming, it has gone mad in its sleep, and a snake is strangling it, but it can't wake up.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that society is oblivious to its own destructive behavior and is in a state of unconsciousness.
D. H. Lawrence reflects on the state of humanity, implying that people are caught up in their own dreams and distractions, unable to perceive the dangers that threaten their existence. The 'snake' symbolizes a hidden menace that is suffocating society, yet individuals remain unaware and unable to awaken to reality. This highlights the idea that many live in ignorance of their circumstances, making them vulnerable to potential harm.
Themes
AwarenessSocietyIgnoranceDangerReality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about raising awareness on societal issues.
More from D. H. Lawrence
All quotes βA young man is afraid of his demon and puts his hand over the demon's mouth sometimes and speaks for him. And the things the young man says are very rarely poetry.
D. H. LawrenceRead
And besides, look at elder flowers and bluebells-they are a sign that pure creation takes place - even the butterfly. But humanity never gets beyond the caterpillar stage -it rots in the chrysalis, it never will have wings.It is anti-creation, like monkeys and baboons.
D. H. LawrenceRead
The Christian fear of the pagan outlook has damaged the whole consciousness of man.
D. H. LawrenceRead
The cosmos is a vast living body, of which we are still parts. The sun is a great heart whose tremors run through our smallest veins. The moon is a great nerve center from which we quiver forever. Who knows the power that Saturn has over us, or Venus? But it is a vital power, rippling exquisitely through us all the time.
D. H. LawrenceRead
... he preferred his own madness, to the regular sanity. He rejoiced in his own madness, he was free. He did not want that old sanity of the world, which was become so repulsive. He rejoiced in the new-found world of his madness. It was so fresh and delicate and so satisfying.
D. H. LawrenceRead
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