The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote questions whether people truly appreciate the moments of their lives as they experience them.
Thornton Wilder's quote reflects on the human tendency to go through life without fully recognizing or valuing the present moment. It prompts us to consider whether we are living mindfully or merely existing, suggesting that many may only understand the significance of their experiences in retrospect rather than during the actual living of them.
Themes
LifeRealizationMindfulnessPresentExperience
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about the importance of mindfulness in daily life.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
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Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
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Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
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I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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