Personal relations are the important thing for ever and ever, and not this outer life of telegrams and anger.
E. M. ForsterRead
How can the mind take hold of such a country? Generations of invaders have tried, but they remain in exile. The important towns they build are only retreats, their quarrels the malaise of men who cannot find their way home. India knows of their trouble. She knows of the whole world's trouble, to its uttermost depth. She calls "Come" through her hundred mouths, through objects ridiculous and august. But come to what? She has never defined. She is not a promise, only an appeal.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the complexities of identity and belonging, particularly in the context of India as a land of diverse experiences and histories.
E. M. Forster's quote explores the enigmatic nature of India and the difficulty of truly grasping its essence. Despite generations of outsiders attempting to conquer or understand the nation, they remain unable to fully integrate or find a sense of home. India, personified here, possesses an intrinsic understanding of worldly troubles but offers no concrete answers or promises, merely beckoning others to engage with its rich, multifaceted existence. This highlights the idea that belonging and understanding cannot be forced and that true connection requires more than superficial engagement.
Themes
IdentityBelongingUnderstandingIndiaPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about cultural diversity, one might reference this quote to emphasize how identity transcends mere geography.
More from E. M. Forster
All quotes →A poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
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One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.
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Oxford is Oxford: not a mere receptacle for youth, like Cambridge. Perhaps it wants its inmates to love it rather than to love one another.
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The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something less dramatic and emotional is needed, namely tolerance.
E. M. ForsterRead
One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
E. M. ForsterRead
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