-But rational thoughts lead only to rational thoughts, whereas irrational thoughts lead to new experiences.
Alan LightmanRead
Some make light of decisions, arguing that all possible decisions will occur. In such a world, how could one be responsible for his actions? Others hold that each decision must be considered and committed to, that without commitment there is chaos. Such people are content to live in contradictory worlds, so long as they know the reason for each.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explores the importance of decision-making and personal responsibility in the face of existential contradictions.
Alan Lightman's quote delves into the philosophical debate regarding the nature of decision-making and responsibility. It contrasts two perspectives: one that sees decisions as inconsequential since all possibilities will eventually manifest, and another that values commitment in decision-making as essential for maintaining order. The latter perspective emphasizes the necessity of personal accountability and the pursuit of meaning, even in a world full of contradictions.
Themes
DecisionsResponsibilityCommitmentChaosConsciousness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during discussions on personal accountability in leadership seminars.
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
Similar quotes
A book is not an isolated being: it is a relationship, an axis of innumerable relationships
Jorge Luis BorgesRead
The Poor Man whom everyone speaks of, the Poor Man whom everyone pities, one of the repulsive Poor from whom charitable souls keep their distance, he has still said nothing. Or, rather, he has spoken through the voice of Victor Hugo, Zola, Richepin. At least, they said so. And these shameful impostures fed their authors. Cruel irony, the Poor Man tormented with hunger feeds those who plead his case.
Albert CamusRead
We are closer to God when we are asking questions than when we think we have the answers.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead
The worldly comforts are not for me. I am like a traveler, who takes rest under a tree in the shade and then goes on his way.
MuhammadRead
Nobody understood The Reoccurring Dream, but after September 11, when we were coerced to do a national duty and go out and shop, surely people could begin to see what I was getting at.
Joni MitchellRead
There is a state of perfect peace with God to be attained under imperfect obedience.
John OwenRead