Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
Saving the world was merely a hobby. My *vocation* has been that of_x000D_ inspector of desert water holes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the distinction between grand ambitions and the simple, often overlooked work that truly sustains life.
In this quote, Edward Abbey expresses a nuanced perspective on the value of seemingly mundane tasks compared to lofty pursuits. While 'saving the world' may sound noble, Abbey finds deeper fulfillment in his work as an inspector of desert water holes, which emphasizes the importance of practical contributions to our environment and communities that often go unnoticed in the grand narrative of heroism.
Themes
SustainabilityEnvironmentPracticalityServiceCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about community service, one might say, 'As Edward Abbey wisely pointed out, saving the world was merely a hobby; let's focus on our local projects that truly make a difference.'
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes →I love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
Edward AbbeyRead
If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
Edward AbbeyRead
The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
Edward AbbeyRead
I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
Edward AbbeyRead
Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead
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I'll tell you," said Beatty, smiling at his cards. "That made you for a little while a drunkard. Read a few lines and off you go over the cliff. Bang, you're ready to blow up the world, chop off heads, knock down women and children, destroy authority. I know. I've been through it all.
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