This means that we have barely disembarked into life, that we've only just now been born, let's not fill our mouths with so many uncertain names, with so many sad labels, with so many pompous letters, with so much yours and mine, with so much signing of papers. I intend to confuse things, to unite them, make them new-born intermingle them, undress them, until the light of the world has the unity of the ocean, a generous wholeness, a fragrance alive and crackling.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the idea of embracing life's complexity and unity rather than being confined by labels and divisions.
Pablo Neruda suggests that as we start our journey in life, we should avoid the tendency to categorize and separate experiences with rigid definitions and societal labels. Instead, he encourages us to embrace the interconnectedness of life, to see beyond boundaries, and to welcome the richness and unity found in our experiences, much like the vastness of the ocean. This perspective fosters a more vibrant and holistic view of existence.
In practice
This quote can be used during a motivational speech about embracing life's complexities.
Perhaps this war will pass like the others which divided us leaving us dead, killing us along with the killers but the shame of this time puts its burning fingers to our faces. Who will erase the ruthlessness hidden in innocent blood?
I want to see the thirst inside the syllables I want to touch the fire in the sound: I want to feel the darkness of the cry. I want words as rough as virgin rocks.” - Verb.
Only do not forget, if I wake up crying it's only because in my dream I'm a lost child hunting through the leaves of the night for your hands.
And here am I, budding among the ruins with only sorrow to bite on, as if weeping were a seed and I the earth's only furrow.
Once more I am the silent one who came out of the distance wrapped in cold rain and bells: I owe to earth's pure death the will to sprout.
I learned about life from life itself, love I learned in a single kiss and could teach no one anything except that I have lived with something in common among men.
I was eleven, then I was sixteen. Though no honors came my way, those were the lovely years.
She was doing it because she had nothing to lose, because her life was one of constant, day to day frustration.
We can't plan life. All we can do is be available for it.
I had a friend who worked at a hospice, and he said people in their final moments don't discuss their successes, awards or what books they wrote or what they accomplished. They only talk about their loves and their regrets, and I think that's very telling.
My life will be the best illustration of all my work.
The beauty of life is in people who feel some obligation to enhance life. Without that, we're only half alive.
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