To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of that sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the object photographed.
Joan DidionRead
I found earthquakes, even when I was in them, deeply satisfying, abruptly revealed evidence of the scheme in action. That the schemes could destroy the works of man might be a personal regret but remained, in the larger picture I had come to recognize, a matter of abiding indifference. No eye was on the sparrow. No eye was watching me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the indifference of nature towards human existence, suggesting that while human creations may be destroyed, it is part of a larger, indifferent reality.
Joan Didion's quote conveys a profound sense of understanding regarding the relationship between humanity and the forces of nature. It suggests that even in the face of catastrophic events like earthquakes, there is a comfort in recognizing the indifference of the universe. While human endeavors may be transient and subject to destruction, this acknowledgment leads to a freeing realization that not everything is under our control, and that existence is a matter of larger schemes beyond individual significance. The line 'No eye was on the sparrow' emphasizes the idea that nature is not concerned with human affairs or suffering.
Themes
EarthquakesIndifferenceNatureExistenceHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
In an essay reflecting on the unpredictability of life and nature.
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