I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.
Virginia WoolfRead
In the 18th century we knew how everything was done, but here I rise through the air, I listen to voices in America, I see men flying- but how is it done? I can't even begin to wonder. So my belief in magic returns.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the awe and wonder of human achievements and the limits of understanding them.
In this quote, Virginia Woolf expresses a sense of marvel at the advancements of the 18th century compared to her own time. She acknowledges that while people of her era are aware of the mechanisms behind these achievements, there still lies a mystery in the wonder of human innovation, leading her to a belief in magic, which symbolizes the extraordinary in the mundane. This captures the essence of human curiosity and the perpetual quest for knowledge amid the impossibilities we sometimes face.
Themes
MagicWonderTechnologyAdvancementMysteryAweInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire a speech about technological advancements and their impact on society.
More from Virginia Woolf
All quotes →Death is woven in with the violets,” said Louis. “Death and again death.”)
Virginia WoolfRead
He began to search among the infinite series of impressions which time had laid down, leaf upon leaf, fold upon fold softly, incessantly upon his brain; among scents, sounds; voices, harsh, hollow, sweet; and lights passing, and brooms tapping; and the wash and hush of the sea.
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I want to think quietly, calmly, spaciously, never to be interrupted, never to have to rise from my chair, to slip easily from one thing to another, without any sense of hostility, or obstacle. I want to sink deeper and deeper, away from the surface, with its hard separate facts.
Virginia WoolfRead
I do think all good and evil comes from words. I have to tune myself into a good temper with something musical, and I run to a book as a child to its mother.
Virginia WoolfRead
London perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets... To walk alone through London is the greatest rest.
Virginia WoolfRead
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