There are horrors beyond life's edge that we do not suspect, and once in a while man's evil prying calls them just within our range.
H. P. LovecraftRead
It is absolutely necessary, for the peace and safety of mankind, that some of earth's dark, dead corners and unplumbed depths be left alone; lest sleeping abnormalities wake to resurgent life, and blasphemously surviving nightmares squirm and splash out of their black lairs to newer and wider conquests.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Some parts of the world should remain untouched to prevent awakening hidden dangers.
This quote by H.P. Lovecraft reflects a philosophy of caution regarding the exploration of the unknown. It suggests that delving into certain areas of existence, whether literal or metaphorical, may awaken forces that are better left undisturbed, as these 'nightmares' could threaten the peace and safety of humanity.
Themes
MankindSafetyDangersUnknownPhilosophyCaution
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture about the importance of preserving natural habitats, one might say, 'As Lovecraft warns, some dark corners of the world must be left alone to protect the balance of nature.'
More from H. P. Lovecraft
All quotes →I know always that I am an outsider; a stranger in this century and among those who are still men.
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Searchers after horror haunt strange, far places.
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The process of delving into the black abyss is to me the keenest form of fascination.
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No new horror can be more terrible than the daily torture of the commonplace.
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I am, indeed, an absolute materialist so far as actual belief goes; with not a shred of credence in any form of supernaturalism—religion, spiritualism, transcendentalism, metempsychosis, or immortality.
H. P. LovecraftRead
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