Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
It may be true that my desk here is really 'nothing but' a transient eddy of electrons in the flux of universal process. Nevertheless, I find that it continues to support my feet, my revolver, and my cigars all day long. What happens when my back is turned I don't know. Or much care. That's no concern of mine.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the transient nature of physical existence while also emphasizing the practical aspects of one's immediate surroundings.
In this quote, Edward Abbey reflects on the philosophical idea that while the physical world is ultimately made up of impermanent elements, such as electrons, we must still appreciate and rely on the tangible aspects of our lives. He expresses a disinterest in the deeper existential questions about what lies beyond his immediate experience, finding value in the functionality and comfort of his desk as it supports his needs in the present.
Themes
ExistencePhilosophyTransienceRealityPresence
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the nature of reality at a philosophy club.
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes →I love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
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If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
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The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
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I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
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Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
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