-But rational thoughts lead only to rational thoughts, whereas irrational thoughts lead to new experiences.
Alan LightmanRead
Such is the cost of immortality. No person is whole. No person is free. Over time, some have determined that the only way to live is to die. In death, a man or a woman is free of the weight of the past [and the future].
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the nature of existence and the burdens individuals carry throughout their lives.
Alan Lightman explores the concept of immortality and the inherent struggles of human existence. He suggests that to achieve true freedom, one must confront and perhaps embrace death, as it liberates individuals from the constraints of their past experiences and future expectations, highlighting the profound connection between life, death, and personal liberation.
Themes
ImmortalityFreedomDeathExistenceBurden
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a philosophical discussion about the meaning of life.
More from Alan Lightman
All quotes →In this world, there are two times. There is mechanical time and there is body time. The first is as rigid and metallic as a massive pendulum of iron that swings back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. The second squirms and wriggles like a bluefish in a bay. The first is unyielding, predetermined. The second makes up its mind as it goes along.
Alan LightmanRead
And at the place where time stands still, one sees lovers kissing in the shadows of buildings, in a frozen embrace that will never let go. The loved one will never take his arms from where they are now, will never give back the bracelet of memories, will never journey afar from his lover, will never place himself in danger of self-sacrifice, will never fail to show his love, will never become jealous, will never fall in love with someone else, will never lose the passion of this instant of time.
Alan LightmanRead
In a world without future, each moment is the end of the world.
Alan LightmanRead
Who would fare better in this world of fitful time? Those who have seen the future and live only one life? Or those who have not seen the future and wait to live life? Or those who deny the future and live two lives?
Alan LightmanRead
The tragedy of this world is that everyone is alone. For a life in the past cannot be shared with the present.
Alan LightmanRead
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